Light

Flashlights, candles, lamps, glow-sticks….what do all these things have in common?

They all produce light, right?  Yet, they all can have different amounts of brightness, intensity, and longevity, some produce heat while others stay cool. They need other things to give them power…electricity, batteries, a match.

Now contemplate you being the light. Think about the characteristics mentioned above and then think about your life. How does your light illuminate? What gives you the power to shine? Do you show your light to others or keep it concealed?

Now add Jesus to all the questions above-put him right in the middle.

How does this change your perspective on light?  

We can look to Jesus who gives and sustains all light.

His light shows through the darkness of sin.

His light does not need a power source, He is the source.

His light is never-ending.

His light is intense and bright.

Looking ahead to a new year,

Be the light to shine into a world of darkness,

Produce warmth for those you meet

And look to Jesus to be your power source and your sustaining light!

You, O LORD, keep my lamp burning; my God turns my darkness into light.
Psalm 18:28

Oil of Joy

True joy is responding to those in need, even when their need is questionable.

True joy is a spontaneous prayer said with a friend to calm restless hearts.

True joy is hearing the voices of children sing and proclaim the anticipation of Jesus birth.

True joy is the tears and sorrow in someone’s loss, combined with a smile of hope.

True joy is turning our hearts to God and anticipating something new this year in the birth of His Son.

Let this oil of joy cover us and fill us with the goodness that only comes from God.

…(I will) bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor. Isaiah 61:3