Good Tidings of Great Joy

Happy December 1^st. I love the first day of the month. For me, it's a time to check tasks and map out a plan.

I especially enjoy January 1st as I anticipate what the year will bring. But before January, we have December, the season of good tidings and great joy.

When I was a child, one highlight of the holidays was riding around looking at Christmas lights. My family and I would express our awe and clap as we admired the brilliant lights and ornaments. We especially enjoyed the neighborhoods that covered their whole block with festive decorations.  

THE WARMTH OF LIGHTS IS INVITING.

Christmas time is a celebration of the birth of Christ, the LIGHT of the world.

Luke, the writer of the third gospel, explains why Jesus came to earth, i.e., “to give light to those who sit in darkness and the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace” (Luke 1:79 NKJV).

In days gone by, home after home expressed the joy of the season by laboring tirelessly to adorn their dwellings. The plain homes, by comparison, seemed bleak. Just as the bare homes portrayed a sense of hollowness, a Christian whose countenance is dim can be an ineffective witness for the cause of Jesus Christ.

The apostle Matthew admonished God’s children to let their light shine before men to glorify their Father, which is in Heaven. (Matthew 5:16)

In this busy season, may we all purpose to show the world the Christ child. May we radiate Jesus and reflect His LIGHT, even when the days are hectic.

Remember, “even a small star shines in the darkness from millions of miles away.” – John Mason

"Lord, sometimes we get caught up in the busyness of the season, and our spirits become dull. Please keep the fires of joy burning so we can spread the good news that the Light of the World has come. In Jesus' Name we pray, Amen."

KEEPING THE HOLIDAYS BRIGHT

·  What are some creative ways you can shine Jesus’ light into the lives of others? I invite you to share your thoughts on how to make someone's Christmas shine brighter.