Loneliness, isolation, sickness, fear, depression, anxiety, lost jobs, grocery shortages, political lies and scandals, unknown president…this has been our world in 2020. So much has happened and is happening that could bring us (God’s people) down and in this season of Christmas too…is there a dark cloud that must hover over even this Christmas season? With people not knowing how they will afford gift, travel, some are without jobs, there is fear in gathering together to celebrate. But this blog is not meant to be a reminder of all the darkness in our world right now. We are God’s people and being that, we are to be full of confidence, boldness, passion for the things of Christ. Ephesians 3:12 tells us “In whom we have boldness and access with confidence though our faith in Him.” Hebrews 13:6 reminds us that “So we can confidently say, “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?”
God did not intend for his children to live a quiet life of solace and fear. If you are a child of God, you have the power, boldness, and authority to do God’s work. In these times of so much darkness, we are called by God to be the light. Matthew 5:14-16 tells us “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” No matter what is happening around us, we stand separate from the world. We stand in the light of God. We are to share that light, the light of God, with everyone we come in contact with. Throughout this dark time in our world, we as God’s children have the opportunity to shine brighter than ever. And as we are the city on a hill, we cannot hide this light, but we are to sit on a stand and allow everyone who comes close the opportunity to know God. Acts 13:47 says, “For so the Lord has commanded us, saying, “I have made you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.”
So, how do we allow our light to shine? There are so many ways to share God’s light with others. One way we can see from the verse found in Ephesians 5:8: “For at one time you were in darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light.” So, we can see from this verse that we as God’s children can use our testimony in order to show others God’s light. Everyone goes through things, everyone has their own testimony, and sharing our testimony with others can be a huge way to show and share the love and light of God. Another way we can shine God’s light in this dark time is found in Mark 12:31 when it says, “The second is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself’. There is no other commandment greater than these.” Love. Share love. Love is the one thing everyone on earth needs. Give it willingly and abundantly. A little love can go a long way in a dark world. So, when you come across a person needing advice, give it with love. If someone is facing a financial difficulty that you are able to help with, give with love. If someone is sick, make them a meal with love. These are all beautiful and easy ways to show our love and the love of God to a hurting world. Don’t we all want someone to show us the same love? Matthew 7:12 says, “So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.” Do unto others as you would have done to you. Being a friend, having a conversation with a stranger, offering your ears to listen, giving the extra dollar in a tip, giving a hug, these are all ways we can be a light to this hurting world. We are halfway through December, we are at the end of 2020, let’s continue to do what we as God’s children can do in order to end this year in light. Spread God’s cheer by baking the cookies, sending the cards, having the conversation, and spreading the light.
He gives us Roots so we can Fly. Roots and Wings.
