Twinkle, Sparkle and SHINE!
During the Christmas season, we use more lights (or representations of light) as decorations than any other time of year. Candles, fireplaces, stars, little lanterns, and strings of lights adorn our trees and home in festive colors to celebrate the coming of The Morning Star. Jesus called Himself the Light of the world and then He told us to shine our lights brightly for Him and this time of year provides many opportunities to do that.
What does Jesus mean when He calls Himself the light of the world? Why does He use this imagery? First, we have to think about what darkness is. Darkness creates confusion. In the dark you are unable to see your surroundings and may not know what something is and it keeps us ignorant of truth. Darkness causes fear. All little children are afraid of the dark because every shadow can become a monster when you can’t really see what is true! What does light do? It eliminates confusion. It clarifies the truth. It shows us the way (sun in the day or stars at night-like a map leading us in the right direction). Light makes fear flee.
Light has power to lead us on the path in safety and to show us truth, which is exactly what Jesus does. He is brightly showing us the Way to the Father through His words of truth. In the book of Philippians, Paul said that we can all shine like stars in the universe when we hold out the Word of life by our words and actions. When Jesus came to earth over 2,000 years ago, a special star shown brightly in the sky to lead the wise men to Him. I think that we have an opportunity today to be little stars shining just like that star years ago, leading the way for people to see Christ.
But how does our light shine? What do we mean when we sing the children’s song, “this little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine…”? In 1 John, we get one glimpse into what makes of children of light, what makes us shine for Christ. John says that whoever lives in love also lives in the light, so our LOVING actions are what shine so brightly for Jesus. Our love for each other and our love for the hurting shines a bright light which will lead others to the One who IS Love.
May we all shimmer, twinkle, sparkle and shine God’s love this season!
Merry Christmas!
Heather C
Hello Heather
I really enjoyed your post and I’m trying to do my share of shinning for my Saviour,I truly want to see multitudes of people coming to Jesus and I believe it is going to happen.
Numbers 6:24~26
Heather,
What a great devotion to cause us to ponder on the meaning of the “light of the world”. That is my desire that everywhere I go that the light of Jesus Christ will shine thru in all that I say or do. We have the ability to make a difference in our world. -Laurie
Thank you, Heather for this ‘enlightening’ devotion 😉
Seriously, I appreciate the reminder to be light to those around me.
Have a blessed evening.
Wonderful devotion.
Lovely post!
Merry CHRISTmas!
Blessings,
Linda
PS: We are reading through the entire Bible in chronological order in 2009. Would you like to join us?
HEART OF A READY WRITER – Bible reading and devotional
Jesus as the light is my favorite symbol. I’m blind as a bat and need His Light. Great post!
Matthew 5:16 is special to me. I appreciate this post on shining for Him. God bless you!
You are so right, Heather. I want to shine and sparkle with Him in my life. I am glad that He is showing us the way out of darkness into the marvelous light.
Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts with us.
Glory!! I was just reading in Revelation about when we are in His Presence, we will not need the sun or the moon, His glory will be our light. I keep thinking of the relationship between light and purity. God is perfectly Pure, and perfect Light!
I love the idea of shimmer, twinkle, sparkle and shine! It makes me think not only of light but of enthusiastic light!!
Happy New Year Heather!