Read:
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.
~John 1:1-5
Consider:
I love Christmas lights! Living in Florida for my entire life, Christmas lights served to mark the beginning of the Christmas season. No frosted window panes. No icicles. No warm, woolen mittens. No sleigh rides. No snow angels~no snow~just beautiful, twinkling Christmas lights.
When my children were little, we would drive all around the city searching for the best Christmas light displays and then “ooh” and “ahh” at what we found. Christmas lights always help prepare me for the Christmas season~except when they don’t work. Searching for the one faulty bulb that disables an entire strand of lights tends to damper my Christmas spirit…
Right now, there is a small section of lights at the top of my pre-lit Christmas tree that is not working. Every time I look at it, I am reminded that something is missing.
Something was missing in the world before Jesus’ birth as well. Mankind was lost in the darkness of sin. But because of His unfathomable love, God sent His light, Jesus, into the world.
The light shines in the darkness,
and the darkness can never extinguish it.
~John 1:5
Unlike the Christmas lights I enjoy, Jesus’ light never dims, burns out or goes away. Nothing can extinguish His light! It pierces even through the darkness of sin and death. It shines through into every dark place in my life and exposes them to His healing mercy and grace. Praise God for His glorious light!
As I look at that dark spot on my Christmas tree, it reminds me that like my tree, my heart contains dark places that I attempt to hide. But when I allow Jesus access, He exposes them to His glorious light and the ugliness that used to live there is transformed by His wondrous grace and mercy. When illuminated by the light of His love, true healing begins and I never again want to hide in the dark. Instead, I want to raise my arms and lift my face to the heavens and bask in the warmth of His marvelous light!
Breathe:
Breathe in His love…exhale all your struggles…
Is there any part of you hiding in darkness? Invite Jesus to shine His marvelous light into every part of your life. His light brings life and love and healing!
Pray:
Dear Lord~You are wonderful! Your glorious light pierces through the darkness of our deepest pain, providing cleansing and beautiful healing. I welcome you into every part of my heart. Light up the darkness and restore my soul! In Jesus’ precious name I pray…Amen!
Comment:
Share one place You are praying for Jesus to shine His light, either in your life or in the world.