I used to be a morning person, when mornings used to be quiet, solitary, and slow. This year they’ve been abrupt, noisy, and shoving—everything mornings should not be. I am disgruntled while I tie my shoes. It’s barely past 5 am. I know mothers and wives and fathers and farmers and workers all over the world wake up this early, but I am self-employed and childless and I have convinced myself I’m owed uninterrupted sleep until at least 6 a.m. Our dog disagrees, and in fact, seems to think the fastest way to my heart right now is through her leash. She noses me until I relent and meet her at the front door.
Outside, the moon is a pregnant belly, super and bright, shining the whole still-dark neighborhood over. How strange, I think, that the Son of God would call Himself the “Light of the World” (John 8:12) when the most constant, earthly source of light disappears every night.
But this morning I remember the pillar of fire by night and the cloud by day (Exodus 13:21–22); I remember the star shining in the east (Matthew 2:1–2), the day the sun stood still (Joshua 10:12–13), and the day the earth went dark (Matthew 27:45–54). I think about how the God of the universe created the orbs and commands them even now. He is the One who sets clouds the size of a man’s fist in the sky and makes it rain for forty days and forty nights (Genesis 7:11–12).
Jesus tells us, “I am the light of the world. Anyone who follows me will never walk in the darkness but will have the light of life” (John 8:12). But the kind of light He offers, is not of the natural, earthly sort. His light is supernatural and He freely offers it to whomever would follow Him.
Yes, Jesus is the Light of the World, but when our hope is in anything or anyone other than Him, the world can grow terribly dark in a hurry. I tend to believe Jesus is near and present when I can clearly see His hand at work in my life. But when I cannot see Jesus at work in my life, He seems absent, distant, and busy, too tied up with more important things—more important people—than me.
But this morning, the supermoon shines a deceptive light on my path—blue, dim, shadowed. Not sunlight, but still of the sun—whether I can see it or not. Walking with the Light of the World is like that, too, I think to myself. I am still walking in darkness, but I know the light exists.
I come back home to a still, dark, quiet house with a somewhat less rambunctious pup. She snores beside me on the floor, and I drink my coffee slowly, quietly. I have the light of life, I think to myself, even today, in this season that feels dark in many ways. I have the light of life because I follow Jesus, and He never fails to shine, even when His light feels hidden by this world and the brokenness within it.
He is the one, true Light of this World—the sun pales in comparison to the light of His presence. “Even darkness is not dark” to Him (Psalm 139:11–12).
I light a candle and the room, once dark, is light again.
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93 thoughts on "The Light of the World"
I needed to hear this today. ❤️
I heard two things that that tie into this so appropriately. First, was that just how a lighthouse lights the way for a sailor, God lights the way for us. We must follow Him or we will be led to darkness.
The next thing I heard from a friend was, when God seems quiet or absent in our lives, think about this: teachers are always quiet during tests, yet they are always there.
Indeed he is the light of the world. I am a 13 year old girl. I am homeschooled. Before I was homeschooled however I was in a really bad middle school. I even questioned my faith. Eventually the Lord called out and said I need to be homeschooled by my amazing mom. I have been a homeschooler for 6 months and I can’t be any more happy. He has saved me and I will always give him my all.
Amen
❣️
Another lovely gentle reminder. ❤️
I will pray for you and your families my. You are not alone. God sees you. He loves you and your daughters. Keep coming to the Lord. I will pray He leads you to a support network that will give you the tools to deal with these new behaviors. You are a good Mom. Keep going. I know how hard it can be. I too dealt with behavior issues with my boys too. They are now adults and God has safely brought us through many trying times.Hugs!
What a bold claim that Jesus makes here! He’s not just claiming to be the light of Israel, but the light of the world! So that anyone who believes in Him can have access to His life-changing light! Thank you Jesus for those of us that have been, are being, & will be grafted in by Your grace alone!
Oh thank goodness for the light of life.
Keep pressing in Jennifer. Keep pressing. My husband was doing his daily Bible reading, something he and the men of our church do every year; read the Bible through, and it was the story of Joseph. He was sold into slavery at 17 by his brothers, and he still worshiped, he was betrayed by his masters wife and imprisoned, still he worshiped and served. He still used his gifts during this dark time. When he was finally released and placed in authority over pharaoh’s house he was 30. 30!!! From 17 to 30 years old he had trial after trial. Yet in each of those he worshiped, served and used his gift. I’m not saying that you’ll have to wait that long for rescuing, bc I know the Lord is with you at this very moment. Listening to that today convicted my heart; would I be as faithful as Joseph in my waiting, in my pain? Would I still worship and see the Lord at work in my life? I pray that I would. I’m praying for you today sister. Deep breaths and keep pressing in.
Jennifer, I am praying for you now. You are not alone. You have the Lord God who is a loving Father with you, and His Holy Spirit to guide you and teach you. You also have us who are doing this study with you. We may not be physically in the same room, but as I sit in my quiet room on this cold morning sipping my hot tea and reading God’s Word, I am studying right along with you. Just like we can’t see our Father with physical eyes right now, you can’t see all of us, your sisters in Christ, but we’re here, and one day we’ll be together with Him!
Lord you are good
We do not walk I darkness!
My life seems so dark right now, it has for a while and I admittedly let it get the best of me for so long and drag me into a very dark place. I am longing and looking for the light in the most desperate way. I am trying, so hard but I have tripped myself up or something else has. I feel so lost. I feel hopeless. I know I am not without hope, I know that God will see me through everything whether it’s when or how I want or not. I feel like a failure because as hard as I am trying to trust God I still have so much anxiety. I am studying by myself and don’t understand a lot of what I read more than on the surface but I want so badly to have an understanding of the scripture in my heart.
Thank you Lord for being our everlasting light, there is no darkness in you!
I most definitely want to keep being part of the light of world
Ahh, I’m retired and felt like I should be able to greet the day on my time table. My time table wasn’t God’s and I’m up every day way earlier than I was when raising children or working. In the quiet stillness of the morning, I can still find distractions that derails time with God! Mercy Lordy focus should be with complete passion and hunger for the Light of the world.
Wow, the imagery here is beautiful. I loved the easy the author tied all of those different Biblical events in. So well written!
Thank you all for prayers!
Praying for you Julia ❤️
Really needed to be reminded of this that even when it feels dark we have the light of the world with us.
This devotional helped me in my study of Johnn, i’m very thankful for this community ✨❤️ Praying fot the team so you can keep doing this amazing job!
Praying for you tonight, Julia, that God may grant you the wisdom and patien
Praying for you tonight, Julia!
Julia, I am so sorry for the struggles you are going through with your oldest. I am so thankful you allowed yourself to be vulnerable and open up here and pray that it is a welcoming and safe space for you to share. I will be praying for you. I can feel the deep love you have for your daughter and I understand the struggle of behavior issues snd the frustration that comes with that, even when (and even because) you love them so much. ❤️ Huge hugs, sweet mama. Praying for endurance and strength and wisdom in the name of Jesus.
Hi Julia, my thoughts and prayers are with you. I pray that u find the patience to deal with your children on a daily basis, that u may get the rest u so much need to b able to care for them and that u might find some hep so that u can take a break that I’m sure u r in much need of. ❤️❤️❤️
Julia,
I am praying for you and your family. Thank you for sharing. Praying for wisdom and a community of people who can support you and your husband on your parenting journey.
Julia, I’m praying for your family and your 10-year-old. May God fill you with wisdom and strength and patience.
Hello she’s. I’m on the west coast and a slower riser due to having chronic pain so I don’t often comment. I always read every post and feel as though you are my extended family so today I will post a prayer request even though I generally get no responses due to the last posting time. I have two daughters, 8 and 10. Both have had medical issues in the past and continue to struggle. For my youngest it’s speech and feeding and as well as some breathing issues as well, but for my oldest it’s much more behavioral. She was born too me early and too small and has issues stemming from losing that lady trimester of developing. She has adhd and anxiety and likely other diagnoses but we haven’t pursued getting names past those. We are struggling. Her behavior is begging any child I’ve worked with in the past, disrespectful, lacking all social norms, prodding and poking at family until we burst, just to see the reaction. I homeschool and I am weary. My 8 year is so sweet, so good and I struggle daily to not wish my eldest could be more like her. Every day, every hour is a struggle with my oldest. We’ve removed food dyes and cut back on sugar in her diet, tried CBD, caffeine and herbs to no avail. I need prayers that I can find a way to get through to her and not end every day in frustrated tears. It’s hard to discuss her to family because I don’t want them to see her as broken but I need people i can share with. Her and I have always been close but this newer attitude (she’s always been extremely impulsive and shortsighted but now it’s being pushed by a horrible attitude of disrespect and snottiness) is really throwing up barriers to offer relationship. My husband and I are at our wits end. Our church doesn’t offer parenting help and while both our parents live close my mil is overwhelmed by her and won’t watch her much, and my mom caters to her which doesn’t help things. I just need wisdom and insight into what to change or do, or how to endure. Thank you she’s. I’m praying for so many of you, Victoria, Rachel, Jennifer. I read every day and pray for you all. This is my 3rd time posting. Love this community.
Love love love this Alayna
I am very sorry for your loss. You and your family will e in my prayers tonight. Praying that his light stays shining within you. I know this is a very difficult time for you.
For all we know, they might have been her “clients”. She couldn’t commit adultery without at least one willing man.
I am in tears as I read through these beautiful comments. I am beyond grateful to have this amazing community. The wisdom shared here is helping me grow a deeper faith ❤️ the way you all pray for each other, check on each other and show love to each other is humbling. As I read about the adulteress forgiven I love that Jesus, the one without sin…the only one who could throw the first stone, forgives her and simply tells her to go and sin no more ❤️ I’m sure the women left and was changed forever but how could she possibly not sin ever again!? Jesus forgives over and over! I am forgiven over and over! And each time I am transformed by His amazing grace….each time I am becoming more like Him. He is an amazing redeemer!
Jesus brings God’s presence, protection, and guidance.
Praise God for being our light. “Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path”. Praying for the prayer requests of our dear sisters and the heartbreaks poured out. May you soon see tremendous/ overwhelming victory. You will look and look, but your enemies (spiritual, physical or under any form) are no more.
May this promise come true for you today, “One man of you puts to flight a thousand, since it is the LORD your God who fights for you, just as HE promised you.” Joshua 23:10
Be blessed and greatly strengthened in the Lord dear sisters! Have a lovely weekend!
Although God rejects our sin, he never rejects the sinner.
I am so sorry for you that are struggling and facing such hard challenges. God sees you. He knows. Jesus suffered as well and knows how we feel in our pain and hurt. I am thankful that we have the full story right there for us, to open and remind us every day, every hour, we need Him. Oh Lord we need Thee. Cry out unto Him and let Him comfort you and hold you.
I too am curious about Jesus writing in the dirt. Was he writing the names of the men accusing the woman and thus shaming them? As a parent I know that the less I try to argue or justify my parenting decisions and stay calm as Jesus did, the more profound the response. I give my children freedom to feel their own convictions.
Thank you Lord.
I too am curious about Jesus writing in the dirt. Was he writing the names of the men accusing the woman and thus shaming them? As a parent I know that the less I try to argue or justify my parenting decisions and stay calm as Jesus did, the more profound the response. I give my children freedom to feel their own convictions.
Jennifer, I’m so sorry for the loss of your sister. And ECS, I’m sorry that you are dealing with everything associated with this disease. I can’t imagine going through either of these situations. Praying for wisdom, comfort, and the peaceful hand of the Father to be with you both. He will never leave you!
JENNIFER, I am so sorry for the season you are walking through, for your loss and the journey you are on with the grieving process. I am praying for you, the Lord is near and does not forget his children. My heart is with you. SARAH D., I am praying for you. I had really bad anxiety in the past and I found changing my surroundings helped, i decided to no longer be part of social media (which helped me a lot), I journaled, and really worked on “breathing prayer” a constant flow of conversation with the Lord, naming my anxieties helped, I also listened to No Longer Slaves by Bethel Music on repeat. Anyways, I’ll be praying for you! ECS, I am praying for you, we are more than conquerors through him who loved us (Romans 8:37)! VICTORIA E. I am so thankful for you, thank you, I am praying for your situation for you to feel the clarity that comes from the Lord. || everyone who has prayed for me and our baby & who continue to pray I am forever grateful. Thank you. Praying for you all Sisters, I love you all dearly. I am so thankful for this community.
He IS the light of the world. As what we all have experienced in the last 2 years I have continued to tell family and friends we are blessed. Be thankful for the light even in the darkness.
Amen
Loved Lore’s devotion and continue to learn sooo very much from the Scripture.
I’ve always been curious as to what Christ wrote in the dirt. I wonder if maybe it was “sin”. This story is one I’ve always found intriguing and thought provoking — here are these Jewish religious leaders trying to condemn a young women who made a bad choice in life and yet I wonder if any of them may have even had adulterous thoughts.
Sisters be blessed and let’s bring Jesus’ Light to the world.
ECS – praying that the Lord will grant you peace and wisdom to be your own advicate. There are many non-mediction therapies that may help you through this. Don’t let despair keep you from looking to the future with hope. Not for a cure, but hope to do what God has called you to do through the process.
I would appreciate any prayers as I am feeling a little discouraged and anxious. I was diagnosed with early-onset Parkinson’s disease 3 years ago at the age of 49. I have delayed starting medication because of my fear of the side effects. Yesterday at my appointment, we agreed with my neurologist that because of disease progression it is time to start medication for quality of life. It just feels like the countdown has begun and I have no control. I feel a little scared of what the future holds and hate the thought of the possibility of being disabled and reliant on others to care for me. I know that I am getting way ahead of myself and tend to be a worrier and see the negative so pray that I don’t focus on an uncertain future – that I remind myself that God is in control and that somehow I can use my circumstances to help others and bring glory to Him. Thanks!!
This resonated with me too!
Yesterday on my way home from a blood test, I had a strong, powerful urge to call my friend whom has just started chemo for rectal cancer.
I called her. She answered in tears. I asked how she was. She said not good. I asked if she could have visitors. She said yes if you wash your hands and mask. I said I would do anything for you.
I was there in five minutes. We talked, cried, hugged, laughed. That’s all we did. But it was more.
I heard, felt God’s call to go. I went. Through it I was blessed.
Thank you Lord for loving us so much and pushing us to be better with each other.
Jennifer I am praying for you today. I am so sorry for your loss. Sarah D praying also for you. Angie, praise God for how He answered prayers about this situation! Brooke P continuing to pray for you and the baby!! I too am struck by the “ it was not the time” statements, never noticed those before but they are speaking to me now as I contemplate a job change and move I wonder if it is the time yet.
I love that Jesus gets his hands dirty…for us.
I love how Jesus does not condemn the woman…AND He makes it clear that what she is doing is sin and calls her to turn from it. Like her, He loves us too much to let us live in our junk. Praying for a heart that is tender and receptive to His voice and that I will turn quickly from temptation and sin. Praying for the needs and the deep sorrows mentioned today. xo
Oh, I loved the reading today and Lore’s words. It jumped out at me when she wrote-The super moon shines a deceptive light on my path-blue, dim, shadowed. Not sunlight, but still of the sun- whether I see it or not! Made me think of how we can put our hope in dim lights to light our paths(financial security, good health, social status, etc) which are gifts given to us by Jesus in the first place, instead of the One true light which lights even the darkest of dark! Help me keep my eyes fixed on THAT Light!
I lift up my prayers to y’all who have asked.
I just started watching The Chosen on Prime. I found out it was free and since I am home quarantine I’m watching it in the evenings before bed. Last night I knew it was about Mary Magdalene even though her name was Lilith. BUT when Jesus came… Healed her… Everything about her changed even her demeanor, her face, everything! And it was noticed by others! The Light of the World changes us so that our eyes are opened to see the true Light and we know everything is going to be OK. We (I) can do this! Phil 4:13.
This woman probably thought she was going to die that day for her sin, but Jesus saved her. Like the woman at the well, he spoke to her when they were alone together and forgave her. It’s so beautiful how he sought out the “outcast” women of that time to rescue and reveal himself to.
In Jeremiah 17:13, it says that those who turn away from God will have their names written in the dirt. Some think Jesus was writing all the names of the Pharisees present and their sins, which shamed them so they walked away. He also could have been writing out the 10 commandments, many of which (in addition to adultery) were probably being broken by the Pharisees.
This is really good insight! Thank you!
Praying for you, Jennifer Kees. What a sad time for you. May you clearly sense God’s loving presence.
Praying for your sister, Rachel Haussler, that she would know God’s love for her. Praying also for you as you minister to her.
Allison Bentley— isnt it amazing the power of those simple statements? I’m loving them.
“But no one arrested because his hour had not yet come.” These statements in John have popped up at me reading this study. I find that even the simple statements have such depth. In this case that God had a plan all along and things would develop in his own timing. How many times have I basically not trusted God by trying to hurry up the plan myself so that I feel more in control? I think of those moments and almost never fails that i mess it up or I have unintended consequences that feel like I’m walking in darkness? May we continue to listen to the simple statements and follow their messages as stepping stones of light inside the dark tunnel that the world feels like these days. Because we know the light of the world exists. Have a beautiful day, sisters!
Thank you all for sharing your insight. I love hearing how each of you interpret the scripture and apply it to your life. Praying for the requests made….and a few unsaid. May your day be wrapped in God’s blessings and light.
Jennifer, may you feel His light and comforting love around you as you go thru the loss of your sister. Praying for your heart and your family. I am so sorry you are having to walk thru this. Know You are so loved. Sarah D, praying for you. When I have dealt with anxiety I loved singing the song Fear, he is a liar. It empowered me to move forward. And always repeated that He never leaves me, nor forsakes me, and the Our Father was my constant help. Also, I have mentioned this many times, but just in case someone needs to hear it, one of my issues with anxiety was the thyroid medication I was on, synthyroid, or levothyroxine the generic. Once I changed to a natural thyroid, it was like night and day. My tests never showed it was a problem, but after a couple of years I was so thankful when I asked for a natural thyroid medication and things changed dramatically. So just mentioning again. Forgive me if you have heard it already. I will hold you up in prayer for His answers. Rachel Housler, asking Jesus to hold your Sister, to set her free from fear, to show her the way He created her in beauty and to overwhelm her with His love and grace. For eyes that see and ears that turn to His words of truth and love. Praying for you too Rachel, lean in to the Almighty, His arms are open, know dear Sister you are loved and your Sister is loved beyond measure. Lord Jesus bring your freedom in mighty ways that Your strength and grace open the doors and break the chains. In Your Holy Name I pray. Love to all. Our God is good, may we glorify Him with our words and thoughts and shine His light.
Me too!!
Jennifer Kees, praying for you! May you feel wrapped in and comforted by God’s precious love. I too have a pup that wakes me early so really enjoyed Lori’s comments. The reward is the peaceful quite time with
I still am in awe of the “one who sent me” statements in John. Jesus must have said it 1000 times yet no one really got it until it was too late! How often is Jesus patiently telling me the same thing (2000 times probably) and I still don’t get it ? Lord help me to dig deep, pull closer in, and actually open my heart to hear your Word! I also love the way John writes- he keeps it simple. He continues to use the phrase “His hour had not yet come”. This reminds me of teachers who repeat the most important lesson from the study over and over. I am always amazed at how beautifully written the Bible is !! Also can we just talk about the adulteress? I can’t imagine what she felt. I’m sure everyone during that time had seen someone get stoned and she knew what was coming yet it didn’t happen and then Jesus says “Go and from now on do not sin anymore”. Jesus gave her a second chance to LIVE- to be born again! What a testimony!! Happy Friday Sisters! Go and soak up Gods beauty this weekend!!!
@Rachel Haussler and @Jennifer Kees, praying for you this morning.
I always wonder what Jesus was writing in the dirt. It wasn’t specified, so I guess we don’t need to know, but that detail always perplexes me. Have a blessed day, sisters.
As I sit here with my tablet, like an empty table, the chairs are filled with each of your names. I imagine you coming to sit with me, having coffee or whatever you like to drink :) and hearing your joy and pain poured out as vulnerably as it is here with our virtual family. I too am childless and feel the sting of an empty table (my husband and I never sit there to eat). And I realize how the Light of our Lord shines here with SRT. I long for a community, and yet here it is. I am grateful and humbled to know what you share. Lifting each of your needs up to God, I ask our Father to provide for you and assure you with His answers. Jesus come in close to the broken-hearted. Come in close where we need you. And help us come in close to where You need us. Prayer is beautiful and also I am reminded the field won’t sow itself. You have to go out, seeds in hand, ready to plant and water. Father, show me the fields that need sowing. Show where seeds planted need care. Remind me of the eternal harvest that will come in the light that has no end. Amen.
Angie-I love everything about light in your post today. It’s so dark here (Indiana) in the am and still gets dark fairy early in the pm. I plan to find a candle for my front window to remind me that the Light of Jesus is in this house. Continued prayers for your situation at school. Bully’s of any age are difficult to deal with, but kudos to you for standing strong and showing His Light in all situations. ❤️
As I sit here with my tablet, like an empty table, the chairs are filled with each of your names. As Lore,
Thank you Jesus for walking with me. Jennifer Kees, you are in my thoughts and prayers!
Jennifer- So sorry for your loss. Praying for you as you walk through this season of grief and I also pray that you may feel God’s presence, peace and love on today.
Jennifer Kees, I cannot say anymore than what Heidi has said. I echo these statements and prayers. I can’t imagine the pain, and I’m not sure what the situation is, but I also have two younger siblings about the same age, who’s lives I fear for every day, or at least many times throughout each year. Praying you feel loved and held and are able to breathe.
The compassion of Jesus for the woman who was accused is noteworthy. He silenced her critics by reminding them that they all had sinned and so all were worthy of death. He also doesn’t overlook the woman’s sin. He tells her to go and sin no more. Also noteworthy is His compassion for the Pharisees and all those who did not believe in Him. His compassion is evident in Him speaking Truth to them. It is compassionate to speak the truth in love, though they may not receive it as such. May I remember that I am a sinner saved by grace and may I express compassion by speaking boldly and kindly about my Savior to those who have yet to meet Him.
Good morning SRT sisters, popping in today even though I’m a couple days behind. I switched back to the Bible recap, since I’m 13 days away from finishing the New Testament! I would love your prayers, this week has been really hard for me. I’ve felt so anxious and in the mornings have not wanted to go to work at all. I’ve felt a slight cold coming on so that didn’t help much either. I was able to connect with focus on the family and they referred me to a LPC in the area, so I’m planning to have a session with her. Prayers appreciated for peace. I feel like I’m doing all the “right” things, but I still feel anxious. Love you all, praying for the requests here too!
Loved the Advent study, so loved hearing more about the Light of the World today. We so often need this reminder right now with all the darkness of sin going on around us.
Praying now for your sister, Rachel Hausser, & also for your strength & peace in being a support to her. Praying that the Lord’s light will warm her heart & illuminate her path.
I love this too! Especially as I teach about moon phases in my classroom.
I don’t think I’ve ever realize before this week of reading how much Jesus calls people out on their stuff. He of course, does it gracefully, in only a way Jesus could. But he is very quick to make people think twice about the way they are living in his flesh. I pray I can be open to his graceful corrections of my freshly ways. Also, I love this connection of the moon still reflecting the suns light even in the darkness. Even when we think all is lost, God is still there.
Jennifer- I can’t imagine. Your hurt is devastating for certain. Praying for a true, life-giving peace to fully guard your heart and especially your mind through the power of Christ and that even in the most difficult moments of this day (and season), you fully experience His supernatural presence and KNOW you are held, loved, guarded, and known.
I also pray you have the freedom to feel what you feel- to process and hurt and cry and go though the valley with full knowledge that there IS another side, there is joy and beauty He will exchange for your ashes. Keep trusting Him even in the oh so hard. ❤️
I praise God for delivering me from the darkness, the darkness of sin, the darkness of depression, the darkness that leads to self loathing and destruction. I praise God for His light in my life that leads me everyday. I still have days of loneliness and self doubt, but God sends me a twinkling light to brighten the way just when I need it. It might be in a song, a message, His Word or through a conversation. He is always with me, this i know as much as I know He loves me.
He gives us a light in the darkness, a hope to share and to offer to others.
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Today we put my sister to rest. My younger sister, 36 passed away on Christmas Eve. Today will be difficult as she did not live a long life and the life, she did live was full of hurt. I found the verses in today’s reading comforting. I know I am going into the darkness today, but I have been reminded that I carry the light of the world with me into that place. No matter how difficult today is, Jesus will be with me and will be waiting to wrap me in his arms at the completion. I humbly ask for prayers of strength today.
Thank you Jesus for letting me walk in your light.
Thank you Jesus for walking with me and letting me live in the light that you give.
Christmas trees, with their beautiful twinkling lights, are stored away. But, we have a white, birch-looking tree that has lights along its branches still up. In the mornings, or the dark winter evenings, we turn it on. (Not all, but a few of the lights twinkle.) The lights glow soft and gentle in the quiet house. Hanging from the branches are hard-paper ornaments with the names for God and his attributes on them.
We also have one candle in each of our front windows. I read a few years ago that a single candle in the window is a symbol that you are welcoming the Light of Jesus in your home. We leave one candle in the middle window all year, and add the others through December and January.
Finally, every dark morning when I leave for school, and dark winter-eve when I return, right now hanging on our front porch is garland with colorful lights, white lights behind (that are always there) and pallet-wood painted signs with the words:
“For unto us a child is born,
Unto us a son is given:
the government shall be upon his shoulder and His name shall be called
Wonderful, Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace,” Jesus.
(They are still up because we just didn’t get to taking them down yet. And I am so glad for the delay.)
Our home is quiet and dimly lit in the mornings with these lights as I spend time in the Word and God. I realize, this is a precious gift. The activities of the day will soon surround my moments, much like the lights upon the birch tree. Will I twinkle for the world, drawing an eye to His name and His attributes? Will the Light of Jesus that lives in me shine brightly into the darkness, like the single candle in our windows? Or will the bright white light of who He is shine through the colorfully-lit joy in my days to announce to the world that we have a Wonderful, Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace… Jesus?
THANK YOU for your words of kindness yesterday and prayers. When I asked, I KNEW my sisters would be praying. What comfort and joy was in that knowledge all day. God answered. Tuesday, I had battled against the desire to defend myself or fight back. Instead, I kept repeating and praying, “Love your enemy, do good to those who persecute you. Shine for Jesus.” Yesterday I went into the battle knowing others were helping me hold up my arms. (Even my students were writing me all kinds of love notes and pictures.) God answered. He is so good; always. The situation did not change but He lead me in ways that brought Him honor and glory. He handled the day. His love penetrated my soul and Jesus shined…even genuinely when I had to deal with the bully. Wow, our God is so amazing. Let me just say, “Hallelujah” and THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU for the blessings of each prayer and sister. Praise God. Amen!
Please be praying for my sister… I wouldn’t normally ask on here but she desperately needs it. She is feeling worthless, alone, abandoned by God & doesn’t know how to get out of where she is. I am trying to place my trust God with her but feel so much fear and pain right now. Please please place her in your prayers. Pray that she could feel the love of God and would open up to knowing and hearing from Him.
Thank you Jesus for keeping us in you never ending light, and love!
The first thing I thought when reading “when the most constant, earthly source of light disappears every night” in the devo was that the sun (and Son) is always constant, right there waiting … it’s the earth that turns away from it just as we sometimes turn away from the Son of the Almighty God. He never changes and is always there even if we can’t see Him because we have turned our backs or our eyes to another direction. Thankfully He’s always there when we turn back to Him.
Praying for:
ARINA – healing, wisdom and fundraising
MELANIE – safe travels and your FIL’s health, strength and healing
ANGIE & MARI V – for the Light & Love of Christ and your faith in Him to shine through your actions towards the bully coworkers, for inner strength to not lash out or respond in-kind to their words/actions, but to respond in kindness. Agree with MAURA that the bullies were hurt or are hurting, praying for their hearts and minds to be comforted and healed.
FOSTER MAMA – for you and the young man seeking help
MUNCHKIN – transport solutions and confirmation from the Lord
ABBY D -the health of your coworker and her husband
NADS – wisdom, comfort and ability to focus on good memories
MARGARET W – Henry, for deeper faith and understanding
CHURCHMOUSE – amen to your comment/prayer yesterday
K SWENSON – such good insight and questions for my own self
ERB – missing you
“Yes, Jesus is the Light of the World, but when our hope is in anything or anyone other than Him, the world can grow terribly dark in a hurry.”
Reminds ne of lyrics from On Christ the solid rock I stand
My hope is built on nothing less
Than Jesus’ blood and righteousness
I dare not trust the sweetest frame
But wholly lean on Jesus’ name
On Christ the solid rock I stand
All other ground is sinking sand
All other ground is sinking sand
When darkness veils His lovely face
I’ll rest on His unchanging grace
In every high and stormy gail
My anchor holds within the veil
His oath, His covenant, His blood
Support me in the whelming flood
When all around my soul gives way
He then is all my hope and stay
When He shall come with trumpet sound
Oh, may I then in Him be found
Dressed in His righteousness alone
Faultless to stand before the throne
Love the connection that the moon is lit by the sun even if we can’t see where the light is coming from… and that just like the sun Jesus is the source of light even in dark times.
This. Is. Beautiful. Exactly what I needed this morning while it’s still dark outside. Thank you, Lore, for these words.
It feels like Advent all over again :) So good! He is the Light. Even when I can’t feel or see it. Even then, I can still believe. I can repeat to myself what I know to be true. He is Light, there is no darkness in Him. What He does is good. To Him the darkness shines like the day. The darkness is passing away and the true Ligjt is already shining. One day, soon, all darkness will be forever gone. And we will see this Light in all His glory.
Praying today for all who feel like they are walking in the darkness. May God show you that His light is always with you.