Light exposes the true character of everything because light makes everything easy to see. That's why it says: "Wake up, sleeper! Rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you." ~ Ephesians 5:13-14 (God's Word)
Reflection:
God's light radiates our lives, as believers. Because Jesus broke the powers of darkness when He burst forth from the clutches of the grave, we, too, can live our lives to the fullest--and embrace this Light!
This is the month we celebrate the Resurrection of Christ from the dead, the most jubilant season of the entire church year. The greatest gift of joy we can offer those who do not know Jesus is this Blessed Truth.
I remember singing a tender song when I was a small child: "This little light of mine, I'm gonna let it shine." Perhaps, you sang it, too. What I didn't realize then was the power of that song is the reference to the the light of God's amazing love and great grace, shining out of our hearts into the darkness of our world. (Matthew 5:16)
As we look toward the Cross and what Jesus accomplished there on Good Friday, and anticipate Easter Sunday's splendor of Hope and glorious Blessing, let's allow our souls to "wake up" with the reception of that Light...and Love.
"Every good present and every perfect gift comes from above, from the Father who made the sun, moon, and stars. The Father doesn't change like shifting shadows produced by the sun and the moon." ~ James 1:17 (God's Word)
Reflection:
There are many tangible expressions of love during the "Valentine month"--elaborate heart-shaped boxes of delicious chocolates, long-stemmed red roses, special trips for two, and sentimental Hallmark cards.
But human love is fickle when it comes to gift-giving and staying power. Only One is the true lover of our hearts--our heavenly Father. He is faithful and ever-present, never leaving us or abandoning us. And always giving the life-gifts we need each day for our bodies, minds, and spirits. God's ultimate present to His beloved children is our Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.
I attempt to wrap my mind (and heart and soul) around this precious and thoroughly amazing concept--that the God of the universe absolutely cherishes us enough to give up His only Son. He is our one true constant in this life of continual change. His presence in our lives makes all the difference, dear reader-friends!
How precious are your thoughts concerning me, O God. How vast in number they are! If I try to count them, there would be more of them than there are grains of sand. When I wake up, I am still with you.
—Psalm 139:17-18 (God's Word)
Just think, the Creator of the universe is thinking constantly of us.....loving us, guiding us, and drawing us closer to Him.
This New Year, as I contemplate David's rejoicing, and of singing this amazing worshipful song, I realize that I, too, can never measure God's consideration of us. We, as parents and grandparents, often think of giving quality time and undivided attention to our families, but we cannot begin to match the never-ending, unfathomable love of our heavenly Father.
Let this reality pour over you today, and all the rest of this year, dear reader-friend. God is here with us...with you, to be your guide, your protector, and your dearest friend. He is walking right beside you, extending His arm like a tender shepherd.
May this New Year 2013 bring you closer than ever before to our great and glorious Lord.
The angel said to them, "Don't be afraid! I have good news for you, a message that will fill everyone with joy. Today your Savior, Christ the Lord, was born in David's city. This is how you will recognize him: You will find an infant wrapped in strips of cloth and lying in a manger."
Suddenly, a large army of angels appeared with the angel. They were praising God by saying, "Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those who have his good will."
--Luke 2:10-14 God's Word Bible
Bev's Reflection:
If you follow my daily Facebook posts, you'll know that my dad recently celebrated his 87th birthday. Dad says he is surprised to have lived this long, considering his quadruple bypass 29 years ago! When people ask about this miracle, he says simply, "It is a joy to follow and serve the Lord Jesus. He is my strength."
Every December, at our family's celebration, Dad loves to read the Christmas Story from the book of Luke--his favorite narrative of Jesus' birth. With the little ones sitting at his knee, their little eyes filled with wonder, Dad reads and talks about "Dr. Luke's" account of this glorious, history-altering event.
I, too, embrace the joy of following our Savior, listening closely to His call on my life--personal and writing--and thanking God for sending this Blessed Gift to our dark and needy world.
This Christmas I pray that you will also find meaningful moments in the merry-making, creating delightful memories, even spiritual ones, with your own family, while adoring this most precious Babe in the manger. The Christ Child born so that He might die, covering our sins with Redemption's plan. Amazing love, how can it be?
Merry Christmas, dear reader-friends!
