Greetings in the name of the one who came to set His people free, Jesus Christ – THE Crucified and Risen Saviour! What a beautiful morning in the Kingdom! I trust that you had a great week and had lots of adventures that revealed God’s presence and purposes for your life…and I am hoping that you are excited about gathering with your church family to celebrate your faith with prayer, praise, pondering His Word, and participating in the laughter and support of fellowship. I will be praying for you today, asking Father to guard your heart and mind.
I couldn’t believe it…I was sitting in my office this morning doing the 3 P’s (pondering, praying, and praising), when what to my wondering eyes should appear – but rays of bright sunlight! My little kitty-cat was curled up on her spot in the corner where she sleeps, and because she likes the sunshine I opened the blinds up and she turned her face to the sun — and decided to get up, stretch, and enjoy the sun. I was reminded of an Advent verse of scripture: The people who walked (or cats who slept) in darkness have seen a great – light. For those who lived in a land of deep shadows–light! sunbursts of light!…Oh, they’re so glad in your presence! Isaiah 9:2,3 The Message. What a difference ‘sunlight’ makes…to animals and people and nations. What a difference the ‘light’ of God’s presence makes in the lives of people who have been – “living in a land of deep shadows.”
And that has been the purpose of celebrating the four Sundays of Advent … waiting with and lighting the candles of ‘hope’, ‘peace’, ‘joy’, and ‘love’ for the lighting of the Christ candle- knowing that the “Light” has come and is making a difference in this world. “How so?”, you say, “there still seems to be a lot of darkness, a lot of deep shadows around us.” Consider this: your assignment today, if you choose to accept, is to be a “carry-er” of that light. You remember that little song: “This little light of mine, I’m going to let it shine!” You and I are to carry the light of God’s presence with us 24/7! God can make a difference in this world – He can light up some dark corners, bur He wants to use “US!” Now – stop for a moment and let that sink in – you have a purpose in God’s plan for the ‘deep shadows’ of life – “SHINE!” and you are to do it with the help of God’s spirit living in you and with God’s people living around you. Remember these words: “You and these people … will only wear yourselves out (if you work alone). The work is too heavy for you (alone); you cannot handle it alone. Listen to me and I will give you some advice, and may God be with you…” Exodus 18:18-19 NIV.
It is so important to gather as his person – “a little candle of light” – with other people – “more little candles of light”- at a faith gathering and fan the flame of your faith into a bright flame. You never know when you will stumble into the deep shadows of someone’s life – to shine. Now take a moment and think of that simple lttle song: “This little light of mine, I’m going to let it shine…Hide it under a bushel, No!, I’m going to let it shine…Let it shine all over St. Thomas or London or Aylmer or ____, I’m going to let it shine.” As another song says: “Today, I’m going to try and change the world” (Johnny Reid). Go shine for Jesus!
Be blessed! Have a great weekend.