Light of Life

“Why haven’t you turned on the Christmas tree lights? You’ve always turned them on during your morning devotions,” my husband asked. 

“I just haven’t,” I quickly responded, hiding the real answer in my wounded heart. 

After he left, wet drops of pain hit my lap. Mom is dead. Doesn’t anyone remember that? Why should I turn on Christmas lights when a light in my life has gone out? Forget this Christmas cheer. 

Many people struggle with life’s hardships, especially during holiday seasons. It’s not easy to experience “good tidings of great joy” (Luke 2:10) when gloomy conditions exist. The first instinct of a suffering soul is to curl up in a corner and sob. And for a moment, this release is necessary. But then what? Life continues minute by minute, hour by hour, day by day. The human condition dispenses both delight and despair. How do we manage life's ups and downs?

God understands His human creations. He knows His people. Even though He made all things good at the foundation of the world, sin entered in, bringing sorrow and death. Immediately He devised a plan to save His people, yet waited for the proper time to fulfill it. 

Believe it or not, the God of the universe chose to invade our sin and darkness. Prophets of old foretold His coming to earth. Isaiah powerfully penned the prophecy with hope. Peel back the layer of hurt from your heart and allow his words to penetrate your wounds. 

Nevertheless, that time of darkness and despair shall not go on forever. Though soon the land of Zebulun and Naphtali will be under God’s contempt and judgment, yet in the future these very lands, Galilee and northern Transjordan, where lies the road to the sea, will be filled with glory. The people who walk in darkness shall see a great Light—a Light that will shine on all those who live in the land of the shadow of death. For Israel will again be great, filled with joy like that of reapers when the harvest time has come, and like that of men dividing up the plunder they have won. For God will break the chains that bind his people and the whip that scourges them, just as he did when he destroyed the vast host of the Midianites by Gideon’s little band. In that glorious day of peace there will no longer be the issuing of battle gear; no more the bloodstained uniforms of war; all such will be burned.

For unto us a child is born; unto us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder. These will be his royal titles: “Wonderful,” “Counselor,” “The Mighty God,” “The Everlasting Father,” “The Prince of Peace.” His ever-expanding, peaceful government will never end. He will rule with perfect fairness and justice from the throne of his father David. He will bring true justice and peace to all the nations of the world. This is going to happen because the Lord of heaven’s armies has dedicated himself to do it!  Isaiah 9:1-7 (TLB)

The drapes of darkness have been undone. A heavenly light shines into our situation. See the glow. Feel the warmth. An enthusiasm for something better grows.

Jesus Christ fulfilled prophecy. He entered into our human condition as a baby thousands of years ago. The Creator God chose to enter His creation to demonstrate a better life. He brought the Kingdom of God to earth, offering to fill believers’ hearts with joy. He is the “good news of great joy for all people.” 

Turn on the lights. Allow Christ to dispel your darkness. You’ll soon see things differently.

I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. Psalm 139:14 (NIV)

But when the Father sends the Comforter instead of me—and by the Comforter I mean the Holy Spirit—he will teach you much, as well as remind you of everything I myself have told you. John 14:26 (NIV)

You, O Lord, are our Father; Our Redeemer from Everlasting is Your name. Isaiah 63:16 (NKJV)

“I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart! And the peace I give isn’t fragile like the peace the world gives. So don’t be troubled or afraid. John 14:27 (TLB)

The mighty God, the Lord, has summoned all mankind from east to west! God’s glory-light shines from the beautiful Temple on Mount Zion. Psalm 50:1-2 (TLB)

Thank you, Lord God, for your good news of great joy. As you shine on me, let my light shine for others to see. In the precious name of Jesus, AMEN.

Matt Redman's "Help from Heaven".....

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jZTkJU9gzJA

Be Thou My Vision....
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6CMclLT_Hjg