The Light of the World

 

Last week I attended a funeral for a dear friend’s husband. The church was beautifully decorated for Christmas. As I sat there I couldn’t help think that it is because of the birth of Jesus that we can have hope and peace in the midst of sorrow. Our loved ones no longer with us who believed Jesus was the Son of God, that He was born, lived and died so we can have the gift of life with God forever, are celebrating and worshipping directly with the Son of God!

“What came into existence was Life, and the Life was Light to live by.” John 1:4 MSG

Jesus came into existence to bring light and life. Many people believe in the moment of death “all the lights go out.” But Jesus promises the light of heaven.

Jesus 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 NLT

God is light, not a light. Light is a part of His essence, as is love (1 John 4:8). God is light and it is His plan that we shine forth His light. The light of God is His righteousness, goodness, holiness. To shine forth His light means to become more like Christ everyday, to know God, understand truth and live in obedience to God’s Word.

In contrast, to walk in darkness refers to all that is opposed to God. It is a life characterized by disobedience and lack of relationship with God. Darkness and light are two opposing forces trying to make claims upon us. We must decide if we are going to live in the Light or in the darkness.

Light provides energy to promote the giving and sustaining of life. Jesus gives us everlasting life.
Light guides us as we travel. Jesus guides us through our journey to our heavenly home.
Light has a way of exposing the evil that is concealed. Jesus is goodness itself.
Light warms and comforts us. Jesus welcomes us and calms us.
Light dispels darkness. Jesus pierces the darkness of sin and death and conquers them.

If I choose to walk in the Light I must humbly trust Jesus to reveal the light through me. It is God who puts when and where I find myself on my journey. This rang true at the recent funeral I attended. My friend shared during her husband’s service how it was through the invitation of my husband to go on a mission trip together to Russia to do dentistry that her husband developed a love for missions. Pictures flashed on the screen of both of our husband’s in their Russian hats in front of St. Peter’s Basilica and them doing dentistry on some Russians. Pictures continued of subsequent mission trips this man took followed by him and his wife starting an African medical mission working with local African doctors and dentists. All because my husband invited this man on a mission trip. We never know our influence. Only God can measure the significance of our influence and visibility. I may influence one person who will then influence the world! My focus should be on following the Light, Jesus, wherever He leads.

On a recent walk, as I came near our beach, this was my view:

It was such a statement to me: Will you choose to follow me and walk in the light?

I pray you will choose to follow the Light of the World. May you be reminded this holiday season that the little baby whose birth we celebrate came so we can live in the light and not in darkness. He loves you, has delivered you from the darkness, and wants what is best for you. Walk as children of the Light!

On the journey,
Trish

PS  Yes, I know it has been since May that I last posted but I hope to be back on a more regular posting!

 

Leave Your Mark in 2017

 

A new year.  We all wonder what 2017 will bring.  Someone shared “The Parable of the Pencil” with me today.  The Pencil Maker took the pencil aside, just before putting him into the box.  “There are 5 things you need to know,” he told the pencil, “before I send you out into the world.  Always remember  them and never forget, and you will become the best pencil you can be.”

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Now replacing the pencil with your life.  Always remember them and never forget, and you will become the best person you can be.

img_0867My 2017 began by celebrating Christmas with my children over the New Year weekend.

Our fondue dinner
Our fondue dinner
Mt grandkids version of "Home Alone" booby trap!
Mt grandkids version of “Home Alone” booby trap!

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Our saran wrap ball game where a person gets to unwrap the ball until another person rolls doubles with dice. Adults used gloves.
Our saran wrap ball game where a person gets to unwrap the ball until another person rolls doubles with dice. Adults used gloves.

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We also play a gift card matching game and used our old “Wheel of Fortune” from the dental office to earn gift cards.

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We had some creative acting, poem writing and dancing.

Michelle having to guess "Santa's suspenders"
Michelle having to guess “Santa’s suspenders”
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Caleb getting ready to pop his balloon

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Since the children were going to be asleep for the New Year’s celebration at midnight (who am I kidding, so were the adults), we had a Noon Day Celebration.  I had 5 balloons hung since there would be 5 children able to pop balloons.  Each child was assigned a time and balloon starting at 8AM.   When it was their turn, they got to pop the balloon, counting down to Noon Day.  Hadley had the balloon at noon but before she popped it we watched a countdown on UTube and had noise makers, hats, and fizzy juice for the celebration.

Happy New Year!
Happy New Year!

 

What will your year 2017 bring?  What mark, like a pencil, will you make?  We each are created uniquely by God with a special purpose.  You were made to do great things! (Ephesians 2:10).

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On the journey,

Trish