Christmas Lights

Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. Matthew 5:16

Each year as I get older it seems like Christmas is 10 times more commercialized than the year before. When I was a child the Christmas season would start the weekend after Thanksgiving. It now starts at the end of October or the beginning of November. This year Santa Claus was at our local mall on November 12. Thanksgiving doesn’t even register on most people’s radar, why? because there is really no money to be made on Thanksgiving. Thanksgiving is a time to thank God for the blessings He has given us throughout the year. Even Thanksgiving is not the same as it was during my childhood. Take time next year to listen to what people say about Thanksgiving, not much of what is said is in relation to God.

As Christians, we need to look at what Jesus did for us. He came as a baby; he had a purpose and a job. We as Christians also have a purpose and a job to perform in this world. Our job is to be lights and testimonies in this dark, sin cursed world. (Phil 2:15) An easy job it is not but a rewarding one it is. What can we do this Christmas season to show others that we follow a kind and forgiving Savior?

We need to be kind and forgiving to those around us. Not acting like harried, frazzled, anxious shoppers that push and shove to get by. We need to stand out and demonstrate that we are different, not just in talk but in actions. Anyone can say they are Christian but the world is watching our actions, to see if they match the words we speak.

Are we squandering all our money on ourselves or are we looking at those in our community and church community who are less fortunate than us? Are there ways we can help those around us? Can we give a gift to a lonely elderly person? Can we buy a gift card at a grocery store to help someone at church who may have lost a job? There are many opportunities for us to share what we have with others. Each one of us is in a different situation, but most of us have money for little things such as a cup of coffee, a new CD, or a new app for an I-phone. This Christmas season ask the Lord what you can do to help someone else. It may seem like a small gesture to you but it will be a LARGE BLESSING to the one who receives.

We need to adopt I Peter 2:9 into our everyday life, “But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:”

Have a blessed day,
Donna

Any word from the LORD?

Then Zedekiah the king sent, and took him out: and the king asked him secretly in his house, and said, Is there any word from the LORD? And Jeremiah said, There is: for, said he, thou shalt be delivered into the hand of the king of Babylon. Jeremiah 37:17

The prophet Jeremiah was accused of being a traitor and put in prison. He was in prison a few days when the king came to speak to him

The king speaks to him in secret and asks, “Is there any word from the LORD?” Jeremiah does not wait or hesitate but boldly answers the king. Yes, you will be delivered to the king of Babylon.

When was the last time someone asked you if you had a word from the LORD? All knew Jeremiah was a prophet and had direct communication with God. We are not prophets, however if you have received Jesus as Savior you are a child of the King. We have direct communication to God.

Do others know you are a Christian?
Do others “see” you differently as a light in the world?
Do others come to you to get a “word from the LORD”?

Let’s start today by being a shiny light in a dark world. Let others see your light. Maybe someone will come and ask you something about the Lord. Will you be ready?

Have a blessed day,
Donna

Be a light

For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light: Ephesians 5:8

December is upon us. The entire month is hustle and bustle. We are busy throughout the year but it seems that as soon as December arrives every day is booked. There are so many things going on during the month of December. Church activities, Bible studies, plays, Christmas bazaars, brunches, lunches, time with extended family, Christmas parties for work the list goes on and on. We run from one activity to another sometimes having two or more things to attend on one day.

In the midst of this busy time, we need to take time to reflect about all the busyness. Most of us are busy because it is the “holiday” season. What “holiday” are we celebrating? Most people tend to forget what the “holiday” is centered around. We are celebrating the birth of Christ. The Savior of the World, the One the whole Bible is centered around. The Light of the World. Are we being the “lights” to those around us? Are we allowing the Light to shine through us?

Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. Matthew 5:16

In the busyness of the season never forget the true meaning: Jesus is the reason for the season. I am praying for guidance to keep my perspective right. Ask the Lord to give you JOY this season by putting him first.

Jesus
Others
You

These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full. John 15:11