Shine by the Light of Jesus
I absolutely love church on Christmas Eve, holding a candle, passing a flame to each other, singing Silent Night. The holiness of Christmas settles in my heart as I sense God’s sacred presence. Many years ago as we sat in the church pew and sang Silent Night I noticed two of our sons having a wax war with their candles. They were spilling wax on each other's hands. The rest of the church was wrapped in God's light celebrating the birth of baby Jesus. I remember thinking how can they be so distracted right now? Suddenly my mind jumped to the concern of them starting a fire in the church on Christmas Eve! I caught myself being distracted by their wax war. Isn't that what can happen to us - we get distracted and forget we are called to be the Light of Jesus?
Our world is filled with darkness and suffering. A deep longing for hope and encouragement exists. Even our personal journeys, at some point, take us through dark seasons where loss, suffering or hardship can be overwhelming.
In Mathew Chapter 5 Jesus taught about the beatitudes; he then told His followers in verse 14 “You are the light of the world.” Jesus gave them an instruction, which is still relevant today. He said “let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.”
Our role as Christians is to be a light in the world for the purpose for others to experience God’s glory. Today I want to give you 3 practical ways to be light in the world and the first one may surprise you.
Spend Time with the Armour of Light - that is Jesus. If we want to shine like Jesus we need to spend time with Him, reading our Bibles, praying and reflecting on who Jesus is. If you are in a Bible study take time everyday to do your study. Friend, if you are not in a bible study, join one. My quiet time is the best part of my day, it is when peace completely fills my heart. During this time I have the most joy and usually sense the nudging of God’s Spirit. It is when I seek the source of the light of the world.
When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “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 (NIV)
Realize others may be walking through a dark season. Just as you probably have, everyone around us has experienced hardships and suffering. We can be a comfort to others who are walking through similar trials as we have. Let us choose to be a light in the world by showing comfort to others.
“He always comes alongside us to comfort us in every suffering so that we can come alongside those who are in any painful trial.
We can bring them the same comfort that God has poured out upon us.”
2 Corinthians 1:4-5 (The Passion Translation)
God used this very verse to call me to write a Bible study for anyone who has a family member with a mental illness diagnosis. I’m hoping to get it published next year as there is such a great need for it.
Recognize and live like we are children of God. Just as a flashlight would make it possible to get through a dark house, the light of God can be a tremendous help moving through dark seasons. For a flashlight to work it needs a power source and needs to be turned on. Jesus is our power source but we need to tap into that power source. The Father loves us and wants good for us. When we seek His presence He will provide light and peace despite our circumstances. He may not bring healing or fix everything happening in our lives at that moment, however, His presence will give us strength and comfort to get through the difficult times.
“But you are a chosen race, royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God's own possession so that you may proclaim
the excellencies of Him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.” 1 Peter 2:9
Today let us commit to letting our light shine for others to see.
If you found this helpful, I would love you to leave a comment below.