illuminate

winter solstice will take place in a few days.  basically it is when the earth is tilted the farthest distance from the sun and it is the darkest day of the year.  it is so incredible that during the darkest moment (the longest night) of the year we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ - the light of the world!

“I have come as a light to shine in this dark world, so that all who put their trust in Me will no longer remain in the darkness.”  john 12:46 (nlt)

“I am the light of the world.  if you follow Me, you won’t be stumbling through the darkness, for living light will flood your path.”  john 8:12 (lb)

look around at all the christmas lights - it’s amazing.  mary, the girls and i love to drive around and see the lights.  i’m looking forward to reminding hannah and abby that light played a major role at the birth of Christ.  the angels put on a spectacular light show for the shepherds… the wise men followed a bright light on their journey that led them to Jesus… and God was saying again to the world, “let there be light” as He sent His Son to illuminate our hearts and set us free from the darkness.

“His life is the light that sines through the darkness-and the darkness can never extinguish it.”  john 1:5 (lb)  every year i’m amazed by the fact that during the darkest moments of my life, Jesus shines.  when dark thoughts try to invade my mind, when doubts and fears try to run rampant in my soul, when things aren’t going the way i think they should, when i’m down and discouraged…. Jesus illuminates me - He lights me up and suddenly the darkness flees.  when His light hits me (and fills me) the shadows dissipate and it is at that moment that i realize - i can do all things through Christ who empowers me.  i’m instantly aware that His grace is more than enough - it is by His strength that i can get up and keep going.  i’m overwhelmed by the warmth of His love and i’m thankful that he chooses to show up during the dark seasons of my life and fill me with His marvelous light.

“the light makes all things easy to see.”  ephesians 5:13 (NCV)  i pray that He will illuminate your life and you will clearly see Him and follow Him.  may living light flood your life and may all the darkness that has surrounded you disappear.