Luke 1:78-80 – God’s love and kindness will shine upon us like the sun that rises in the sky.
On us who live in the dark shadow of death this light will shine to guide us into a life of peace.
Gratitude Day 793
For those of us who live in the Northern Hemisphere these days, light is one of the things in short supply these days.
It is amazing how quickly a few minutes less sunshine a day suddenly changes things. Hubby Rick is one of the first people to comment about decreasing days of sunshine. This alone makes me look forward to the shortest day of the year: Dec. 21st.
We do not know the exact date of Jesus’ birth. So, why was late December chosen? While this is not completely clear, shorter sunlight and the world needing a light to guide people seems convenient timing.
Those longer nights? Also a convenient way to showcase the millions of lights people decorate the outdoors with during Christmas. Those strands of light that glow and glitter in the dark. They make us smile and brighten dark streets and roads. Smiling lights that illuminate and make the rest of the world shine, even as we experience so much less light.
All those lights? A terrific reminder how one single light can make such a difference.
Light one candle and see the light shine.
Turn on one strand of tiny white lights on a tree and watch it shimmer.
Bring the light of one small lamp into a very dark room and what a glow hover around the lamp.
We forget how one light or series of lights can make so much difference. It can remind us how just one person can shine her or his right into the world. And watch what happens.
Jesus got this. He understood how his light could make a difference unto so many people’s lives. His one little light could light up the world and change so much. And it did.
We are in the season of Advent. One of my favorite Advent traditions is an Advent wreath. With three purple candles and one pick on the outside and a white candle in the middle are intended to bring a little light into this dark time of the year. During each of the four Sundays of Advent, another outside candle is lit. Slowly, more and more light is brought into our space. Those flickering flames remind us that like Jesus, individually we can also bring light into the world.
Advent and the time coming up to Christmas can be very filled. With all the additional things to do, along with Christmas preparations and regular life, these days before Christmas can be overwhelming. Too full. Feeling like it’s one thing after another.
This Advent, find time to pause once a week. Light a candle and reflect upon Jesus as the light of the world for you. Or hop in your car and drove through the neighborhood, ohhing and aahing over the Christmas lights. Give thanks for all the beautiful lights and how they point towards the manger where baby Jesus was born. On Sunday, light an Advent wreath and celebrate faith, joy, love and peace, one each week. Commit to seeking the Light of the World, just like you pray others will turn towards you and wonder what is different.
We can shine just as brightly as Christmas lights. Our lives have the opportunity to bring light into a world that desperately needs it. May we seek the Light this Advent and Christmas as well as embrace the shining light of Jesus that desperately wants to bring light in our hearts and lives.
For the light that shines in the darkness this December, I am grateful.
Blessings –
Dianne
Loving God – Thank you for sending the Light of the World into this place for all to see. May I discover important ways to bring light into other’s people’s worlds. May we always keep our hearts and eyes towards toward the One who provides this light always. Amen.
Here are some other blogs that focus on “shine” for your pleasure to enjoy this Advent!
It’s your time to shine! By Sharla Hallett
www.sharlahallett.com/its-your-time-to-shine/
How To Overcome Adversity & Shine by Ashley Olivine
https://ashleyolivine.com/overcome-adversity/
Make this Advent Shine by Jessica Weaver
http://rootedunrooted.com/blog/make-this-advent-shine
If you have enjoyed this blog, please pass it along to someone else who will also enjoy it.
Comments are closed