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Time to Shine

 


"Know that darkness is merely the absence of light.  You can be the small candle that defeats the vast darkness."  ~ Jonathan Lockwood Huie


❄ I'm not sure if good King Wenceslas let it snow, but baby, it's cold outside.  It was 10 degrees here a couple days ago.  So after watching it snow all day, this picture of the city lights shining through the Arctic chill kind of made me think of Christ's words when He said we were the light of the world that can't be hidden (Matthew 5:14-16).

Jesus taught with such incredibly powerful word pictures - there's something so inviting about a light amidst darkness.  It emits warmth and coziness, promising a welcome as we get closer.  It's a sign of life among a lifeless darkness; beckoning people to draw near.  

❄ I wonder if that is what Jesus meant by telling us to 'shine like bright lights'. (Phil 2:15)

How can we shine this week?  Can we bring a bit of joy to someone who needs cheering up?  Do we know someone who has a hard time at the holidays because they've lost someone they love or are lonely?  Or possibly a family who is having a tough time getting food on their table and you could share by making a double batch?   Or buying new clothes for their kids - a little money goes a long way in a thrift store, and they have sales too.  Plus you'll get addicted to the thrill of the hunt. 

❄ Is there maybe a single mom who could use a hand getting her kids some presents?  What a great witness to our own kids/grandkids to sponsor someone in that way, and again, go thrifting.  How about shoveling a walk or driveway for that neighbor (who is my neighbor)?  Or taking the time in line to strike up a conversation with someone, possibly noticing something about them that might initiate a compliment to them?  

If we find ourself in line in front of someone at a fast food or coffee place, could we buy theirs?  Could we have a few extra goody bags with a Christmas treat or two in our car with some extra Christmas cards, just in case we cross paths with someone who maybe needs to feel special?


❄ Instead of jumping on the hustle and bustle train this season, what if we implement a tradition of game night with goodies?  Enforce the 'phones in a basket' for a couple hours and show someone the ugly side that Monopoly brings out (I'm joking, of course- that's not very festive). 


So many ways for us to lighten up another's day, and not expensive; they just require a little forethought.  And the reason we do it?  Because, out of gratitude we are reflecting the light of Jesus, who told us:

"I am the light of the world.  If you follow Me, you won't have to walk in
darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life."
John 8:12

❄ The cold weary world needs to rejoice and be warmed up by the light of Jesus and what He did for us. 

✙ Dear Lord, we thank You for this beautiful season-the lights, the cheer, the celebration with family and friends.  Would You make us sensitive to what needs we can meet to show others Your love?  Would You open our hearts to generosity with Your Spirit? We want to make this season about others, not ourselves - out of gratitude for what You did for us by sending Your Son. Thank You for Your gift to us.  Amen. 






Comments

  1. AnonymousDecember 4, 2025 at 8:08 AM

    Amen! Thank you for this sweet reminder that it really is better to give than to receive! Gretchen

    ReplyDelete

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