"In your light we see light." (Ps 36:9 NIV)
One fact is clear in New Zealand: There is no need for artificial lights in the
presence of the sun. This is especially true in December. Due to their location
in the Southern hemisphere, December is the beginning of summer, the season of
the longest days.
While travelling through both the northern and southern islands last Christmas,
I didn't find any houses decorated with outdoor Christmas lights, and I only
found one tree with lights. The lack of Christmas lights puzzled me, and I asked
one of our local bed and breakfast hosts about it. Their explanation was simple:
"The sun goes down so late in the evening that no one would be able to see the
Christmas lights anyway. So why hang them?
Good point!
Jesus' birth was announced with a bright light in the sky. "We saw his star in
the east and have come to worship him." (Matt 2:2 NIV)
Truly the real source of light has already come to live in our neighbourhood,
and His light can be clearly felt by everyone! "The true light that gives light
to every man was coming into the world." (John 1:9 NIV) "I am the light of the
world." (John 9:5 NIV)
Although we are encouraged to reflect Christ's light in this world, our lights
are quite dim compared to His! "In the same way, let your light shine before
men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven." (Matt
5:16 NIV). Instead of the unselfish love emphasized by God, we seem to promote
our own agendas. Instead of being the Good Samaritan, we too often act like the
hurried priest or the Levite (See Luke 10:30-36). The world
too often sees us as biased and opinionated, and at times, even hateful.
We can change their opinion of us this Christmas by letting our lights brightly
reflect the love of Christ. It's time we put a stop to acting like the Pharisees
of Jesus' times and instead, follow in the footsteps of the One we are
proclaiming as the Messiah.
How can we let our lights shine?
Remember, monetary gifts are less important than being there for people, so
let's take the opportunity this season to visit someone in real need and bestow
that individual with selfless love. Let's invite a lonely person over to
celebrate with us, and let's treat that individual as our guest of honor,
bestowing on him/her our best food and our full attention.
The idea is simple: Instead of spending a fortune on buying gifts that will
likely be set aside after a month or so, let's start spending time with those
who feel broken-hearted and rejected! Let's bring them
Hope! Let's help them change their dark night into a bright morning so that they
may experience this truth: That our loving God is the only light we ever need.
"There will be no more night. They will not need the light of a lamp or the
light of the sun, for the Lord God will give them light." (Rev 22:5 NIV)
It's time we let the Sun shine!
What would you prefer: A lavish gift or being loved? Gifts will eventually fade
out, but love will shine for eternity!
Rob Chaffart
The Illustrator: This daily newsletter is dedicated to encouraging
everyone to look towards Jesus as the source of all the solutions to our
problems. It contains a daily inspirational story, a Bible verse and encouraging
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The Nugget: Published three times a week, this newsletter features inspirational devotionals and mini-sermons dedicated to drawing mankind closer to each other and to Christ.