Grace and I walk a wooded path a few times each day. On cool days, we love to soak up the sunshine as it beams through the clouds and tree branches.
One particular afternoon, we approached one of our favorite stretches where the path widens. In this area, Grace loves to run along a distant fence line while I remain on the cement walkway lined with pine trees. Although the sun shined that day, shadows along the fence had lengthened.
Suddenly I realized, Grace had disappeared. I could not see her along the fence or in the field. My heart pounded within my chest. Anxiety rose as I began to beep the collar attached to her neck. Although the sound reverberated, she alluded my vision. As I walked by the trees, she must have lost me too.
The darkness hid her from me and me from her. After five long minutes and constant beeping of the collar, I found Grace running in the opposite direction of the path. We reunited with mutual relief and began the journey home along our familiar route.
Shortly thereafter, I located a light up dog collar online and quickly placed the order; I did not want to lose Grace in the dark shadows ever again. Now, even in the dusk of night or the darkened parts of the day, thanks to the collar, Grace glows. She shines with a bright light upon her. I see her, notice her, and delight in the shining presence upon her.
Glow – To give out a steady radiance of light.
As I wonder about the birth of Jesus Christ, I reflect upon light entering the world. Although God declared, “Let there be light” in Genesis 1:3 causing the sun to shine daily, God knew that someday a lost humanity would need another Light.
Like the physical light from the sun comes from God, this Light would also come from God. However, this Light would give spiritual vision and satisfy the deepest longings of every soul. The prophet Isaiah proclaimed with abundance the reality of a coming Light – a light for all people, that existed for all eternity, providing eternal hope.
In what ways might the lights of Christmas point to the Light of God coming into the world?
The disciple John announced that “the true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world” and “in him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind” (John 1:9). Jesus entered the world to be the real Light that altered the state of the soul by offering eternal hope and life. The light of Jesus shined and continues to shine in the darkness… (vs. 4-5). Jesus brought the glow of God into the world. He revealed the radiance of “God’s glory and the exact representation of His being…” (Hebrews 1:3).
Wonder about the contrast between light and darkness; even just a speck of light dispels darkness. Imagine Jesus bringing true light into the world.
Jesus declared: “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life…While I am in the world, I am the light of the world” (John 8:12 and 9:5). Like God led the Israelites out of Egypt with the pillar of fire, Jesus announced that He offered the presence and guidance of God. Jesus spoke of His identity in a provocative manner. He was in fact the same Light.
What does Jesus’ declaration of being the light evoke within you? In what ways is Jesus the light of the world today? Notice any emotions this reality stirs within you.
What is the purpose of light? Light helps us see; it exposes. The Light of Christ leads those who believe in Him to authenticity, honesty, and vulnerability, so that living in darkness repulses the soul. The apostle Paul reminds disciples of Christ that God brings to light what is hidden in darkness and exposes the motives of the heart (1 Corinthians 4:5). The follower of Jesus desires truth and welcomes the illumination of any darkness hidden in the soul.
In what areas of your life is the Light of God shining in the darkness? Are there hidden spaces His light exposes so that freedom, cleansing, and transformation might occur?
Light also helps plants produce food and grow, empowers satellites and space stations, operates many electronic appliances, and heals the body. In Ephesian 5:8-13 Paul reiterates that before choosing to follow Jesus, we lived in darkness, but that changes upon professing Christ. We then live as light in the Lord. Our identity changes when we chose life with God through Jesus.
We live as children of light, desiring to please the Lord, allowing that which once existed in darkness to become visible and exposed in order that the Light of Christ might cleanse and transform the dark into the glowing light of God. We experience growth, empowerment, and healing in the Light of God.
Will you surrender to the Light’s work in your life? In what ways do you live out your identity as a child of light?
1 Thessalonians 5:5 proclaims to followers of Christ that we “become children of the light and children of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness.” Who we are changes because of Jesus. We become children of Light when we believe in Him, walking in the Light in companionship with God: we glow with the Light of God.
We become the light of the world, just as Jesus was the light of the world. God designed us to let His light shine through us so that our attitudes and actions bring glory to His name (Matthew 5:14-16). When we walk with God, His light glows through us. We glow for God. The shadows do not hide His light. God invites us to walk in the light, as he is in the light (1 John 1:7). Like my dog Grace, we glow in the darkness. The light of God shines through us.
Consider your walk. Does your walk through life resemble more light than dark? In what ways do you allow the glow of God to transform your soul?
As we celebrate Jesus’ birth, the true Light entering the world, live as children of Light. Let your life reflect your true identity found in Jesus Christ. Live in the reality that Jesus declares you to be His light in the world, just as He was the Light of the world.
Walk in the Light. Live as the Light – Let the true Light shine through you.
Glow with the Light of God!
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Drips from the Word: Muse about these Bible verses. Let these truths impact your living.
2 Corinthians 4:6 – For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ.
Matthew 5:14-16 – “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. 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. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.
Splashes from the Spigot: Drink from deep wells. Read these recommended books to fill your soul.
Katherine Paterson. The Light of the World: The Life of Jesus for Children. New Jersey. 2008.
Johnny Hunt. Living in the Light: My Daily Devotional. Nashville, TN. 2017.
Sprinklings of Truth: Soak in meaningful songs. Check out these music videos to lift up your spirit.
Lauren Daigle. Light of the World. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ANznvVi14kM
Hillsong Worship. Light of the World. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6CKCThJB5w0
Puddles for Prayer: Thank you for praying for upcoming travel and speaking engagements.
January 13 – Littleton, CO
Breathe Retreat (A two hour spiritual retreat for women) – Join us. Email me for more information.