I don’t know about you but there is just something about lights in the winter that warm my heart and bring me peace and joy! Do you ever just sit in front of your Christmas tree in a dark room to take in all the beauty? I do it all so often, especially the month of December, and sometimes even into February. I have the “Our Daily Bread” app on my phone and typically try to sip my Chai tea in front of the Christmas tree early in the morning and read my devotion while it feels like the whole world is still sound asleep...and I absolutely love it!
Why do lights in December bring us such peace? I truly believe it’s because lights in a Christmas tree aren’t just lights! These lights are symbolic of the whole reason we celebrate Christmas each year: Jesus. Jesus is called the Light of the World and isn’t He the one, who because of His sacrifice, provides for us the peace only God can give in our hearts, minds and souls? He does me, especially in those moments. Some days it seems that we are living so fast paced, we tend to forget to just stop and take in the beauty and stillness of the Christmas season, the stars and moon that light the sky at night, the gorgeous sunrises at dawn and the picturesque sunsets at the end of the day.
My husband has an incredibly fast paced job with a very hectic and long work schedule but I love how recently he is quite aware of taking time to slow down and enjoy watching a sunrise on his daily commute. And I am definitely quite tickled when I receive a text message from him in the evening asking me if I noticed “that” sunset tonight. You see, I am one of those sunset, sunrise, sit in the car and listen to the rest of a song just because it means so much to me kind of people. Don’t get me wrong, some days I feel like life and busyness never takes a break and I forget to take a seat, set the phone and distractions aside and just talk to God and enjoy His goodness and beauty surrounding me. But, I do sincerely try to not only recognize these splendid moments, but also thank Him for sharing these things with me and recognizing His goodness and grace.
Jesus, Light of the World. Darkness can not overcome this light. It is through Jesus and this light that we can have hope for all things. Do you need some light in your life? Can you share some of the light in your life with someone that needs a little light? After all, if we are sharing the light, we are obviously sharing Jesus’ love. And who in this devastating, heartbreaking, broken world, couldn’t use a little more light and Jesus in their lives?
I invite and encourage you at some point this week, stop and look at the lights – maybe the lights on your tree, possibly the light from the sun or perhaps the moon and stars as they shine bright – sip on your hot cocoa (with lots of extra marshmallows), Honey Lemon Chamomile tea or grab yourself a Chestnut Praline from Starbucks and just enjoy the light. Bask in the peace and quiet around you. Relish in a big fluffy blanket wrapped snuggly around you as you take in the sight and remember the embrace of love, light and God around you. Utilize your time of being still and talk to God, praise Him and give him your worries, troubles, anxieties and fears. And let the light that you are looking at remind you of the Light of the World. Give thanks for that light. Savor that light. And share that light.
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When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”
~John 8:12
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