THIS LITTLE LIGHT OF MINE

The plan for Advent Week Three was to focus on ‘Lights of Christmas’.  I had some things to share about various kinds of lights and related music.  However, The Lord seemed to have turned my thinking only to God’s Eternal LIGHT -Jesus, Light of the World. Today I’d like to focus on our responsibility, as Children of God, to reflect His LIGHT into the world in which we live, work and play. It seems this is getting harder ever day and many are ridiculed, persecuted and martyred for sharing the Love of God with others.

Scriptures: “If we walk in the LIGHT, as He is in the LIGHT, we have fellowship with one another…”  (I John 1:7). “Ye are the Light of the world….let your light so shine before men that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in Heaven.” (Matthew 5:14, 16).

Jesus Creator, LIGHT of the world, loved us so much that He spent nine months in the darkness of his mother’s womb, to become one of us, that He might vanquish the darkness of sin and its penalty of death, forever.

The  Old Testament Scriptures foretold of the Light to come and, the Light of Glory and special Star  announced his birth to mankind.  His disciples, chosen to share his Kingdom of God principles, listened to his teaching and witnessed his miracles and interacted with him as friend.  Can you imagine the WOW factor when Peter, James and John saw  HIS LIGHT at the Mount of Transfiguration?  Radiant pure LIGHT!

For several years we attended a large Church that did a presentation near Resurrection Sunday.  I will never forget the first presentation in the new Sanctuary, which was designed to include these presentations.  The brilliance of the light used as Jesus came forth from the tomb – blinding! I often wonder what kind of JESUS LIGHT others see in me. Wherever light goes, darkness has to flee!  JESUS LIGHT in me also chases darkness - if I let it shine!  God inhabits the praises of His people. (Ps 33:2)

As Believers we are drawn to the LIGHT.  But we are also challenged by Jesus to reflect His LIGHT to others.  We are the only JESUS LIGHT  many people see. Does the LIGHT of His word light your path?  control your tongue and your actions?  Do others see pure LIGHT in your life?  Or is it somewhat dimmed – by not reading or walking in his Word?  Not talking to Him in prayer?  Not being obedient to what He asks us to do?  Sharing with poor and needy?
(Matthew 25:40)

We continue to try to put out God’s light in our world today: We have an overkill of world’s lights and bangles, morning prayer and Bible reading has been taken out of schools,  ‘In God We Trust’ removed from coins, Jesus is not allowed in formal military prayers -  just to name a few issues.  And, of course, now at Christmas, we notice the hassle about Nativity Scenes  - or anything related at this time of year.  Blue is the political correct color for Christmas – I prefer red, green, and gold! 

Sooo, dear ones, Let the lights of Christmas remind you to let the LIGHT of JESUS be reflected in your face, in your words, and actions.  Jesus said we are ‘The Light of the world’.  We are not to hide our light under a basket – but set it on a hill top for all to see. Even though we live in a fallen world, the LIGHT of God is not extinguished.  Be LIGHT –BEARERS,  reflectors  of His character and as our Pastor reminded us "Share the good tidings of great joy!" (Luke 2:10)