Let Your Light Shine!

Daily Reading:  Luke 8

Scripture Focus:  No one after lighting a lamp covers it with a jar or puts it under a bed, but puts it on a stand, so that those who enter may see the light. (Luke 8.16)

Devotional Thought:  In today's news, there's much despair and duplicity.  Christians are called to bring the light of the gospel to that darkness.

As we think about that, some good questions might be...

·       Is my light lit?  Do I have the Source of light in my heart?  In other words, is Jesus my Savior?  If so, am I providing the light fuel and air – Bible reading and prayer – in order for it to stay lit?

·       Is my light visible?  Is it in a jar?  The jars of ancient days were not the clear glass vessels we think of today.  They were opaque.  No light could pass from the inside to the outside.  Is it under the bed?  The most private room in the house is the bedroom.  So, are we resigned to keeping our faith private, leaving it at home and leaving Christ out of Christmas?  Is it on a stand? You've heard the cliché, "Are you glad to be a Christian? ... Would you mind telling your face?"  Let your countenance and attitude reveal the light that is in you!

·       Am I inviting people to come in where the light is shining?  Every day there are passive opportunities to shine our lights.  We don’t have to say anything, but just by being kind and compassionate and considerate and joyful, we show that we are followers of Jesus.  But, passive witness is not enough.  Jesus told a parable in which the king sent his servants out to compel people to come to the wedding banquet so that his house would be full.  There should be intentionality about our witness for God.  Is your faith compelling?

Our lights are to be lit… visible… and inviting…  Is yours?

Prayer: Jesus, 2000 years ago, you came to bring us the light, leaving behind heaven's glory to be born in a cattle stall.  Help me, this season, to let my light shine before others that they may share in your love.  Amen.

Psalm of the Day: Psalm 136.10-16

10 to him who struck down the firstborn of Egypt, for his steadfast love endures forever;

11 and brought Israel out from among them, for his steadfast love endures forever;

12 with a strong hand and an outstretched arm, for his steadfast love endures forever;

13 to him who divided the Red Sea in two, for his steadfast love endures forever;

14 and made Israel pass through the midst of it, for his steadfast love endures forever;

15 but overthrew Pharaoh and his host in the Red Sea, for his steadfast love endures forever;

16 to him who led his people through the wilderness, for his steadfast love endures forever;