Christmas Lights

Good morning, my friend!  Good morning, Father!

“Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you.” - Isaiah 60:1 (ESV)

Lord, one of my favorite things to do every year at Christmastime is to hop in the car and drive through neighborhoods and enjoy the beautiful Christmas lights.  Like moths to a flame, we are all drawn toward the light, whether it is a brilliant sunset, a blanket of stars on a chilly, winter night, a burst of fireworks, twinkling Christmas lights or warm candlelight.  You created us to be drawn to light and not the darkness.  We are drawn to these lesser lights, because they are a subtle hint and reflection of the breathtaking wonder of seeing You face to face.  

“This is the message we heard from Christ and are reporting to you: God is light, and there isn't any darkness in him.” - 1 John 1:5  If we are drawn to little Christmas lights, no wonder the hearts of thousands gathered to be near Jesus and learn from Him.  The light of His love and wisdom shone brighter than a thousand suns, and attracted people from far and wide.   They were changed by merely being in His presence.  Even Moses, after being in Your presence, had to cover his face with a veil, because it shone with the glory of God (Ex 34:29,35).  As it says in Matthew 5:16, “In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” (ESV)  

Father, I lift my friend before You.  In this season of darkness in our world, draw us ever deeper into Your presence.  In that intimacy, may we catch a glimpse of Your glory and be transformed, “so that we (you) may become blameless and pure, "children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation." Then we (you) will shine among them like stars in the sky.” - Philippians 2:15.  Like Moses, cause our faces shine as we carry Your glory.  May those in darkness be drawn to Your beautiful light within us on display.  Holy Spirit, give birth to a miracle of life within them in this season, that like Mary, they may take part in bringing salvation to their world.  And like Mary, I pray that Your miraculous work in their life in this season would be something they treasure in their heart forever.  

 Like the shepherds and Wise Men of old, may the remnant of the humble and the wise in our generation continue to seek the light of Christ, and may we be faithful to shine it in the darkness.  Then together may we join with the angels and say, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests." - Luke 2:14.  May Your favor rest upon us, and Your glory shine in and through us!  In Jesus Name ❤️

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