Light Bursting Forth

"And the Light shines on in the darkness, for the darkness has never overpowered it [put it out or absorbed it or appropriated it, and is unreceptive to it]."
                                                                John 1:5




Christmastime is my favorite time of the year! I love the music and church services, as well as the decorations and choosing little gifts and blessings for others that will bring a smile to their faces. I love the baking and get togethers and spending time with all the people we love the most. Greater than all of these, however, is the remembrance of our Savior and how He chose to bring us the greatest gift of salvation by entering into our very dark world as The Light of the World.

When I look at our world today, it makes me wonder how similar things are today (in terms of darkness) as they were 2000 years ago. Does our degree of violence parallel that of the Roman soldiers?  Or, does the degree of intolerance for Christians today match that of the early church? Most importantly, does the disdain that the average man has for God compare to that of the time in which Jesus was born?

While we cannot know for certainty, what we do know is that the darker the world gets, the brighter the Light can shine. Even simple kindnesses and courtesies stand out today that would have been taken for granted not that long ago. Our world is rapidly changing around us, which fully gives believers the opportunity to shine brighter than was previously possible.

While it is sometimes difficult to fathom, we are truly blessed to be living in the times that we are. The apostle, Luke, tells us that "many prophets and kings longed to see what you see and they did not see it, and to hear what you hear and they did not hear it" (Luke 10:24). We are literally watching Biblical prophecy occur and are now the closest generation to the second coming of Christ!

This means that today we now have more opportunities spiritually than we have previously had. To appropriate all the promises that God has given to us, we have to "stand firm and hold fast" (2 Thessalonians 2:15) to our faith and not allow discouragement to seep in.  As we keep our eyes on Jesus and on His Word, He is our Spiritual Rock (1 Corinthians 10:4) that keeps us firmly planted, even in these turbulent times.

Jesus is the Only Light of this world.  He told us that we, also, are the light of the world (Matthew 5:14). His Light shines in and through us no matter what may come against us. While darkness tries to invade through sickness, death, pressure, and lack, we know that, with God, there is always Light and there is always hope. Light pierces the darkness and no matter how daunting our circumstances may appear, Light always wins when we trust in God.

Often, God may allow difficulties and trials so that others (who do not yet know Him), will see His mighty hand work and move on our behalf. The prophet, Isaiah, tells us that "The people who walk in darkness will see great Light; those who live in a dark land, the Light will shine upon them" (Isaiah 9:2). This, to me, is both the beauty and the miracle of Christmas.

If, today, you are wondering where the Light in your life has gone, or you are feeling like darkness has come in like a flood, look up! This is definitely the time and the season where God is igniting life and light. Just as the world desperately needed the birth and Light of Jesus 2000 years ago, this is also a time when the world cries out for it daily. He came in the form of a babe to bring salvation then, and  today He heralds the cry of a King and warrior to any who would hear. He still longs to bring to all the precious gift of salvation.

It doesn't matter what people may have said or done in your life. The only thing that truly matters is that we see and hear Jesus and that we continue to allow His Light to flow through our lives.

If life throws you a curve ball.... Shine on!

                 If a loved one veers off the path.... Shine on!

                              If darkness comes in like a flood..... Shine on!

                                        If Jesus should tarry...... Shine on!

                                                     If you have more questions than answers..... Shine on!

                                                                If others stand against you.... Shine, Shine, Shine on!


              IF WE JUST KEEP SHINING, HIS LIGHT WILL BURST FORTH!!!
                                               (Be patient; It is a promise!)