Be the Light

We will struggle to fight hopelessness, and there is nothing wrong with having those moments. But we must turn away from that, act in ways we can, to help humanity, and remind ourselves that there is another side of this conflict. Even in our darkest time, we can access a peace and a hope. Even now, we can take comfort in that. Light cannot be anything other than what it is. It's bright; it banishes the darkness; it enables people to see what they are doing. God is light, and since He sent His Holy Spirit to live inside believers, so are we. As his ambassadors on earth, we shine even when we don't know it. We can do this by loving one another, as believers shine light into the darkness. Jesus told His followers to "let your light shine before others," calling them to live an active faith, not a passive one.

In Matthew 5:14-16, Jesus compares his followers to light, saying we "are the light of the world," unable to be hidden. No one puts a lamp under a bowl because a lamp is designed to help people see in dark places. Although you may not believe it, you are always making someone's day a little better. Regardless, if they're having a good or bad day, you never know how much one simple act of love can impact someone. You never realize how much of a light you actually are for others. You can be a light in this world. You can bring hope to the hopeless and love to the unloved; peace to those who are tormented and love to those who feel all alone. You can be a source of inspiration for those who believe that good people no longer exist…

Be like Jesus! As Christ's words and actions showed the true nature of the world around Him. Christ-followers give light to those around them by doing and saying what Jesus did. By growing in relationship with Jesus every day, following Him step by step, we partner with Him in spreading the truth. “Put your light on its stand.” Your circumstances are an opportunity to shine brightly for the Lord and to share God's overcoming truth with those around you. Your family and community can tell what you believe by how you live. Remember: “Anyone who claims to be in the light but hates a brother or sister is still in the darkness. Anyone who loves their brother and sister lives in the light, and there is nothing in them to make them stumble. But anyone who hates a brother or sister is in the darkness and walks around in the darkness. They do not know where they are going, because the darkness has blinded them.” • What situation are you in right now in which you have to exercise faith in God? • How can you share your faith with others in the midst of your circumstances? Lord, thank You for being the light within us so we can shine brightly for the world around us. When it seems darkness is crowding in, use us to make a difference. We ask that You will help us share Your love, joy and peace - especially this time of year. You are the hope we need and the One light that will never burn out, be overcome or fade away. In Jesus' Name, Amen Let HIS Light shine through you,

Tara Reed