Light of the World

It's winter and it is cold and dark. The days are short and it seems as though time passes quickly with more night time and less light. This time of year the most incredible thing occurs to counter the winter's darkness. It starts out slowly and soon is in full force. Christmas lights appear and brighten up the night with a warm and beautiful glow. Of course the lights are only temporary, but soon after Christmas when they start to disappear, the daylight starts to increase and nights get shorter again. It is as if the lights of Christmas impact the darkness and influence the daylight.

Christmas lights symbolize Jesus Christ, the Light of the World. What would the world do without Jesus? The world would be a very dark and dismal place for sure. It is because of Jesus Christ that we have hope and celebrate Christmas. The miracle of His birth still encourages so many to spread goodwill, love, and joy. He is the Light of the World! As you prepare to honor Him this Christmas, let your light shine, and influence the world through the beauty and grace that results from His love.

“I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” John 8:12-13

Imagine

When I was a child, the Beatles landed in America. I can still remember how excited my older siblings were about their music. Beatle music still holds a special place in my heart. There are some songs from the early days that I really like even today. The one song I never quite understood was "Imagine". To me, it seemed John Lennon was dismissing God's existence. Although the song is beautiful, I never really liked it very much because of that. 

This weekend, I heard the song again and realized whether he knew it or not, John was in a way describing the kingdom age on earth after Jesus Christ's returns. Life in peace, no countries, no hunger, and no possessions. The Bible goes on to note the end of war, death, tears, pain, and night. All this, and a new Heaven and earth, are promised to those that remain in Christ Jesus. Imagine! 

This holiday season may the peace of Jesus Christ fill your heart, home, and life until He returns in glory.

 "I did not see a temple in the city, because the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple. The city does not need the sun or the moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and the Lamb is its lamp. The nations will walk by its light, and the kings of the earth will bring their splendor into it. On no day will its gates ever be shut, for there will be no night there. The glory and honor of the nations will be brought into it. Nothing impure will ever enter it, nor will anyone who does what is shameful or deceitful, but only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s book of life." Revelation 21:22-27

Waiting

If you are like most people, you are probably accustom to waiting. There is waiting in lines, waiting for red lights, waiting for planes, and waiting for the phone call to hear "Ok, I'm home".  Yes, waiting is a part of life. This time of year many are waiting for Christmas. They are decking the halls, making shopping lists, wrapping presents, and waiting for the big day.

About 2000 years ago, wise men waiting for the Messiah found Him laying in a manager. Today, many still wait for Him to return while others have yet to acknowledge or seek Him. This Christmas season, while you wait for the festivities to unfold, keep your eyes on the Lord. His certain return may be very near. Do what you can to introduce Him to others that may not know Him. Tell them how you are waiting for His return and how there is nothing in the world worth waiting for that could ever compare to Jesus Christ.

Blessed are those who listen to me, watching daily at my doors, waiting at my doorway. Proverbs 8:34

A Friend Indeed

When given a choice, most people would prefer to slip into a comfy cotton or flannel shirt and some relaxed jeans rather than formal evening wear. This simple comfort creates a feeling of relaxation and ease that allows for a sense of well-being. Businesses have also recognized the significance of this phenomenon and identified that casual dress leads to increased productivity and improved morale.

You should be able to put on Christ in the same way. Your relationship with Christ should reflect a feeling of comfort and well-being. You can be most comfortable and close to Him when your relationship is direct, uncomplicated, and personal. The time spent with Him should lead to you feeling re-energized, positive and at peace. Formalities, rituals, and ceremonies can create barriers to a close, personal relationship with Christ. You have to “dress down” and keep it simple in order to experience a deeper, more meaningful relationship that is the heart and soul of your walk with Him.

You may have been mislead to believing that your relationship with God had to be starched, pressed, and folded into a proper formal experience. That could not be further from the truth. Just think about the way Jesus lead His life. He was not fond of pomp and circumstance. In fact, Jesus Christ was well aware of the hypocrisy of the religious leaders of the time. He lived life simply and spent time with ordinary people.  See, Christ wants to know you as a friend, love you as a child, and be as close to you as possible without interference. Now you know that you can relax and be comfortable getting to know Him in an up close and personal way.

”I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master's business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you.”  John 15:15

Thankful

Let the games begin! The shopping season is upon us and this year it is starting early. In case you were worried about missing the deal of a lifetime, many stores will open their doors at midnight on Thanksgiving. Now, I personally can not think of anything that needs to be purchased at midnight (except in a medical emergency) but many will take advantage of this early morning shopping opportunity. In fact, there are those that do not know the true meaning of Thanksgiving and see it only as the official kick-off of the "holiday shopping season". 

Thanksgiving is a time to pause and praise God for the many blessings He has provided. It is not that a special day or time for thanking God is required, rather it is a National day of honor set aside for gratitude and celebration. This Thanksgiving, share the love and story of the miracle of Jesus Christ with those that may have only ever thought about worldly things on Thanksgiving. You just may have a chance to provide someone with the true and wonderful meaning for the season. Otherwise, they may never know that God loves them and sent His only Son Jesus Christ to die for them so that they may spend eternity with Him. Now that is truly something to be thankful for. 

Happy Thanksgiving!

But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Corinthians 15:57