True Light was Coming

December 28   

                                                                               

Scripture Reading
Read John 1:9-14 and reflect on the passage.

I have celebrated Christmas, the birth of Jesus, for many years. I knew Jesus came into the world as a child and I knew all the special events surrounding this holiday. But one thing stands out to me right now and that is the Star of Bethlehem.

Like a candle burning bright in our front windows, welcoming friends and family during the holidays, the Star, towering over the manger, is summoning all to draw near. This light served as a beacon of hope, a guiding light pulling all who could see it, to come even closer

Light is an important concept in the Old Testament. God’s first creative act was to form light out of chaos. Light describes how disciples are to live, “put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light.” (Romans 13:12)

Christmas is filled with examples of light: candles on the Advent wreath, lights on our Christmas trees and our houses, and luminaries which line our drives. All bring a bright and secure sense of hope, a knowledge that we are not lost. We have light for our path.  We have Jesus, the Eternal and Guiding Light.

Questions

How does the concept of Jesus as the Light of the World, impact you during this season?

Do you need more light these days? Is your path uncertain? 

Prayer: Dear Jesus, shine Your light on me and show me how best to navigate this troubled world.

Judy Webb

Luke 11:33-36

Small Lamp…Big Light
Today’s reading is short on words, but long on meaning. The scripture title is, “The Lamp of the Body.” It says, “Your eye is the lamp of your body. When your eyes are good, your whole body also is full of light. But when they are bad, your body also is full of darkness. See to it, then, that the light within you is not darkness…..”

SEE TO IT, THEN, THAT THE LIGHT WITHIN YOU IS NOT DARKNESS. This has nothing to do with our ability to see. I know someone without sight, who is more full of light and promise than most others I have ever met. My world finds me surrounded by individuals with disabilities of varying types and degrees, as I am a special education teacher. Many of the students I have the privilege of working with shine daily in God’s love. I have also been in the company of several whose time on this earth was coming to an end. Their sincere hope and trust in the Lord honestly made them glow.

It is up to us what we choose to reflect through our existence, but it is clear what God directs us to do. “See to it, then, that the light within you is not darkness.” God doesn’t tell us that if we’re having a good day we should shine, but if not, it’s ok to be gloomy and dark. He says, “See to it……” because it’s not about us, it’s about others and what we can do to share the good news of Christ. We can do this from right where we are. We don’t have to be a preacher or missionary. We are to be who God intended us to be, and shine His light through the body He gave us. “This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine…………….”

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