As I was driving home last night, it became clear to me that I was not the only Christmas elf putting up decorations and lights this week! Many homes in the area had gorgeous Christmas light displays inside and outside their homes. There’s just something special about Christmas lights shining in the nighttime that warms the soul with joy if for no other reason than somehow it makes an otherwise cold dark night glisten with beauty. Think about it. The lights themselves are absolutely nothing to marvel at in the daytime, but when day becomes shrouded by the darkness of night, how stunning the colorful lights become!
Centuries ago, back around 1995, I made my debut as a guest speaker at the church I attended. The topic I chose was none other than “Light.” While that was a lifetime ago for me, the message is still the same: light changes the effect of darkness. A person can be in a pitch dark room, stumbling around, disoriented, unsure, not knowing what is ahead of or behind them, and darkness will eventually paralyze their movement because of the uncertainty of what is around them and the fear of falling. However, strike one little match or turn on the tiniest flashlight, and they can begin moving again because they are able to see what is before them as well as fear less what is around them. Light brings comfort because it makes known the unknown, and that knowledge brings assurance and hope.
In our quest to remember and participate in the true meaning of Christmas, I wanted to share some of the most beautiful Christmas "lights" I have discovered and rediscovered over the past 25 years.
Have you ever been overwhelmed by life, just going through the motions, feeling beaten down, joyless? Do you ever feel like you have no direction, or lost your perspective or purpose? You ask yourself, “Is this all there is?” or “What does it all mean?” or even “How can I go on?”
You've heard about “peace of mind” and “peace of heart” but you have only experienced fleeting moments of it either recently or ever. You cannot understand what the void is in your life much less begin to know how to fill it. Perhaps you had a strong faith once but it has diminished and you find yourself more confused than before.
There is good news! Hope for those who may be walking in darkness and despair!
The One who created light, is the light that can shine in your deepest, darkest despair! Light changes the effect of darkness, making the unknown known and bringing hope to life!
The great love of God desires to bring us out of the fear of darkness into the light of life, through faith and knowledge of His son Jesus Christ.
God created everything out of nothing! God IS light, and His light can overcome any darkness you may be experiencing.
Remember, God wants to 'light you up' (in a GOOD way!) with His love so that you can become light to others.
This Christmas season, each time we enjoy the beautiful display of lights shining in the night, may we bear in mind the true Christmas Light and find tidings of great comfort, inexpressible joy, and the knowledge of God's light and love condescending to earth to make its home in our hearts!
Centuries ago, back around 1995, I made my debut as a guest speaker at the church I attended. The topic I chose was none other than “Light.” While that was a lifetime ago for me, the message is still the same: light changes the effect of darkness. A person can be in a pitch dark room, stumbling around, disoriented, unsure, not knowing what is ahead of or behind them, and darkness will eventually paralyze their movement because of the uncertainty of what is around them and the fear of falling. However, strike one little match or turn on the tiniest flashlight, and they can begin moving again because they are able to see what is before them as well as fear less what is around them. Light brings comfort because it makes known the unknown, and that knowledge brings assurance and hope.
In our quest to remember and participate in the true meaning of Christmas, I wanted to share some of the most beautiful Christmas "lights" I have discovered and rediscovered over the past 25 years.
Have you ever been overwhelmed by life, just going through the motions, feeling beaten down, joyless? Do you ever feel like you have no direction, or lost your perspective or purpose? You ask yourself, “Is this all there is?” or “What does it all mean?” or even “How can I go on?”
The earth was without form and void; and darkness was on the face of the deep
…
Then God said, “Let there be light: and there was light.
Genesis 1:2-3
In Him was life, and the life was the light of men, and the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.
John 1:4-5
There is good news! Hope for those who may be walking in darkness and despair!
The people who sat in darkness have seen a great light, and on those who sat in the region and shadow of death, Light has dawned.
Matthew 4:16
Then Jesus spoke to them again saying, "I am the light of the world. He who follows me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life."
John 8:12
The great love of God desires to bring us out of the fear of darkness into the light of life, through faith and knowledge of His son Jesus Christ.
I have come as a light into the world, that whoever believes in Me should not abide in darkness.
John 12:46
God created everything out of nothing! God IS light, and His light can overcome any darkness you may be experiencing.
You are of God… and have overcome… because He (light) who is in you is greater than he who is in the world (darkness).
1 John 4:4
Remember, God wants to 'light you up' (in a GOOD way!) with His love so that you can become light to others.
For you were once in darkness, but now you are light in the Lord.
Walk as children of the light.
Ephesians 5:8
The reason God sent His Light (Jesus) to the world?
Simple.
So that we could learn to love God
and one another - better!
and one another - better!
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