Light

Last week, I went in search of lights for my Christmas tree.  I was thankful to find a set of white lights for 50% off.  I only paid $2 for them, which was great because I didn't want to spend a lot on lights.  I came home, pulled the lights out of the box to put on the tree and discover they were icicle lights.  Hmm.  Well, I didn't want to return them since I only paid $2 for them.  So, I scattered the icicle strands all over the tree.  I plugged them in and the tree didn't look bad at all.  Then the lights started blinking.  Hmm.  That kind of drove me crazy for a few days, but it doesn't really bug me anymore.  

(Had to be creative decorating it, since I didn't want to buy decorations. I put my Christmas cards from my family back home, small candy canes my mom sent me, my cookie cutters and two angel ornaments that were my Gramma's.)

Last night, I sat in the dark with only the Christmas tree lights on.  It was quite lovely.  My heart was drawn in to think about this Christmas.  Many things about it are different - first Christmas without my family, no snow or cold weather and I'm in Central America.  And I've been finding that this Christmas is quite simple.  Even in the midst of it being so different and simple, God's been reminding me of His steadfast presence in my life and the heart of what Christmas is - the celebration of the Jesus' first coming. 

Every December, God speaks to my heart about a different aspect of that first coming.  The past couple years, it's been "Immanuel".  Again at the beginning of the month, that message returned.  But in these past few days, it's the message of God's Light that has been stirring my heart.  

John 1:9 says, The one who is the true light, who gives light to everyone, was going to come into the world.

The True Light came over 2,000 years ago to penetrate the darkness of souls.  To teach us how to live, to change lives, to build a bridge between man and God.  And to ultimately become an atoning sacrifice. To give love, power, freedom and light to all who believe in Him. 

The Light is very personal and powerful.  This Light came to pierce the darkness of my heart and soul, to constantly change me, so that He will shine so brightly through me. Just the thought of God desiring to dwell within me and to use me in order to shine His Light so others see Him gives me chills.  

The Light of the World wants to shine through me.   My heart feels silenced, humbled and honored.  

Holy Father, thank you for sending Jesus.  Thank you for shinning your Light in the lives of many, so that your Name has been known and is continually becoming known in all the earth.  Thank you for shinning your Light in my heart, piercing the darkness, revealing to me all that needs to surrendered to Your Throne in order that your Light can shine brightly through me.  May all Glory be unto Your Name.  Continue to shine, Father!  



Hallelujah (Light Has Come) by BarlowGirl