Lamp

Christmas lights abound: some are whimsical, some are colored, while others are golden, or bright LED etc, but each of them are a welcomed contrast against a backdrop of darkness. Think for a minute what our Christmas season would look like if there were no Christmas lights, if things remained status quo.  For the lights transform our everyday scenery into a story of delight, wonder and a touch of magic. They are truly a reminder that this is a season of celebration and joy!

Every Christmas, these lights are a reminder to me that Christmas Day is the day that God sent his son Jesus in the form of a baby, to be cradled in a manger in a stable and then grow him into becoming the "Light" of this world. A “Light” sent to teach us and guide us and save us from the darkness of sin and death which we had no escape from.  

Our celebration of Christmas is to remind us of the Love of God who sent Christ, his son, who became the very example of what true, unconditional, devoted, and sacrificial love looks like. Christ was sent to transform us to be the very reflection of HIS love. 

We cannot be “the Light” ....only God can be that, but we can be the lamp. For a lamp is just a lamp, and is only significant if there is a bulb placed within it and it is connected to a power source. So, if we consider Christ is the bulb and God is our power source and the two work simultaneously. We are reflections of the “Light” that God shines within our hearts.  

We are merely a lamp...it is the light within the lamp that makes (us) the lamp, a worthy vessel. Lamps come in all sizes, but the main purpose of a lamp is to shine light, a light of hope, where it is needed; in darkness, in troubled times, in heartbroken grievances, in failures, in loss, and disappointments. 

In this crazy world and society that we are living in, darkness abounds and the Light of Christ is needed in every nook and on every path that we travel. (Christmas is only a mere season; but a reminder of a truth that is to be recognized day by day... God's light shines on us throughout our lifetime.)

Jesus Christ is our wonderful counselor. He not only shines his light into my darkness; he tells me where more light is to be found. He himself is the light. And when he shines his light into our lives, we come to life. Sinclair Ferguson

This Christmas, invite Christ to make His light shine even brighter in your life. Carry him with you, and lean on HIM, wherever you go, whatever you do, and share the blessing of that light with whoever you meet. There is never a person who does not need an encouraging word, an act of kindness, a shoulder to lean upon, or a good dose of hope and a story of our faithful God. 

Recognize HIS impact, and share your story of redemption, for it gives the one you share it with the realization that they too could receive the blessings of our risen Lord....if only they would have faith to believe in the powers and love that he extends. Just as John the Baptist came as the witness to the TRUE LIGHT, the stories that you all have lived through and are living now are too, witnesses of Christ; his ways, his power and his sovereignty. 

Let his light shine through you. The blessing will fall not only on the one who you are sharing it with but also in you, in unexpected ways. I have found that joy and peace of Christ will quietly settle into the hearts and minds of those who put their trust and faith in him no matter what the circumstances are that are swirling around.  Think on these things as you enjoy the lights of Christmas that surround you. 

May God’s Hope and Joy be sparks that light up your heart and fill you with His peace.  May God bless you, guide you and give you strength and wisdom as your journey onward. May the LIGHT of Christ shine so brightly in your own hearts that it pours into the hearts of others. Amen

Psalm 119.10 Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light for my path.

Psalm 18: 28 You, Lord, keep my lamp burning; my God turns my darkness into light.

2 Samuel 22:29 You, Lord, are my lamp; the Lord turns my darkness into light.

Matthew 5:15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead, they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 

Praise God wherever you are and whatever situation He has allowed you to be in . . . His glory will shine through!

All past emails can be found at: Cathyjodeit.com (Contents Page)