true light

Baby Jesus came into the world with purpose, to bring his brightest light into the darkest dark.

“The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world.” -John 1:9

Some people turn away from his light, but by coming He has brought light to the world.

Look on any news site right now and you will see all kinds of woes.  Yet is this, perhaps, one of our world’s greatest catastrophes? That, “He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world did not know him” (John 1:10).

When Jesus was born and as he carried out His powerful earthly ministry, the world did not recognize Him as its Savior.  “He came to His own, and His own people did not receive Him” (John 1:11).

So does this mean His mission failed?

No.

“The light shines in the darkness and the darkness has not overcome it.” -John 1:5

And the darkness never will overcome it.

His light shined as He hung from the cross at Calvary, as He was laid in the tomb and when He rose again on the third day.

His light shines in the darkness in the midst of world catastrophes and our own personal tragedies, though we may not necessarily readily notice it right away or in this lifetime.

His light shines in our lives if we are in Him even if we don’t always feel like it.

He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.” -Colossians 1:13-14

We may be tempted to only see the darkness, but we need not stay there consumed by the darkness.  In this world, we will have darkness and troubles, but what does Jesus say?

I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” -John 16:33

If we are in Christ, we also shine in this world and will not be overcome by the darkness.

Sometimes I feel that we are about to be overcome, but that’s just not true.

As follower of Christ, we can live life boldly in the joy of knowing that no matter what we face, we will not ultimately be overcome.

Lord, Illuminate your Word so that we might grasp during this sweet season of Christmas your great love for us.  Your great love that stooped to bring a bright light into this dark world.  Help us to shine your light by telling others about you, risking our comfort and, if needed, even our lives.  Let us take You to those who do not know You.  Give us the desire to do this.  Let us not merely decorate our trees with lights but let us be the light that shines your light in this dark world.  In the face of every kind of hostility – spiritual darkness, evil, pride, selfishness – let us believe the power that you have to overcome the greatest hostility.  Make yourself known to us more and to others through us and through your Word. Amen.


BEYOND THE NATIVITY, a four week Christmas Devotional can currently be read for FREE on Amazon’s KindleUnlimited program or it can be purchased individually for .99 on Amazon.com.

“A great December devotional to bring the focus of Christmas back to the incarnation. It has moving images with easily digestible scripture and questions on which to meditate.”                          -JTG, Amazon Customer Reviews

This devotional consists of four weeks of devotions at five devotions per week.
A different theme of the incarnation is presented for each week.
Week 1: The Description
Week 2: The Purpose
Week 3: The Manifestation
Week 4: The Importance and Rewards
Each week’s meditation topic will have five devotions that will include a scripture to read and a historical artistic piece to view. Some meditations suggest a traditional Christmas hymn to listen to which could be easily found online.


Linking up with these lovely ladies and their blogs this week:

purposefulfaith.com     Photobucket Holly Barrett    linkup  SDG Gathering  Monday's Musings | What Joy Is Mine  A Field of Wildflowers sunday-stillness-button    Barbie Swihart   Grab button for Faith Along the Way  Missional WomenFF Z Font Fellowship Fridays #45    “countingmyblessings"       Grab button for Being Confident of This  Dance With Jesus   Learning From Each Other

1114updatedbutton    mom blogs party  Imparting Gracesaving4six     beloved_brews_faithbarista_badge _     7 Days Time      WHHWButton200X200I Choose Joy!    Photobucket

 

 

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