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!