The day started in a very drab mood. Barely enough light to give inspiration to get out of bed, but the pressing need to get to church and meet again with the family that is Christ church eventually persuaded us to move. After stepping outside the trees seem to just create stark silhouettes against the white cloudy sky and the cold and rain showers didn’t help to brighten up the mood. It was like they were reprimanding us for daring to step out of the door into their domain.
Some days we need to get out and experience the weather, some days we need to get out and meet with people, some days we really need a rest in the warmth of the home. Today was a day for getting out and meeting with other families, at a messy Christingle service.
After saying some prayers, making loads of crafty things with copious amounts of glitter, and then making the yummy orange jelly baby Christingles, we then went into the church for a fun service to sing and clap our way into smiles. Then the candles were lit and we journeyed home.
It seems that the act of carrying the candles home and relighting them at home is quite symbolic of bringing Christ home with us. Taking the light outside and hanging them in the trees could be also a symbolic act to show the world that we are shining the light for Jesus.
1 In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. 2 The earth was without form, and void; and darkness was on the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters.
3 Then God said, “Let there be light”; and there was light. 4 And God saw the light, that it was good;
I always think it fascinating that God’s first words in the Bible are “Let there be light”. Before God created light the earth seemed void, pointless, or without purpose, and this very act of bringing light into the world created a purpose. Light was also the first thing that God tells us He thinks is good.
We need light within our lives, whether that light is children, or grand children running around and keeping us young, or whether that light is a partner that supports us when we are feeling down with simple things like being there to listen, or just giving a hug, or whether it is an unexpected friend who just seems to help you pass the time and keep your mind away from the drab and dreary world. These things are just examples of light within our world.
The people of Paris, and other cities across the world responding today showing a rallying cry against hatred and oppression is another example of the light within our worlds. When ever there is pain, and anger, then light will be quick to respond, this rides up from the depths of peoples hearts and provokes them to respond. All people have this light, as is shown when all people of all cultures, and religions respond in this way, but Jesus is the only true light that can change our lives for the better and for all eternity.
We need to pray for Jesus to come to us, as I don’t think we can expect him to come uninvited, but once invited He will guide you through the darkness to the light.
2 Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.”
So tonight I pray that if you are in darkness, and your life is feeling like it is void and empty. I pray for Jesus to come, for the light of the world to come to you, to guide you from this place to a lighten fuller life, full of joy and love. And if you have been shown that light then I pray that you share that light with others who may be in need of it this coming week.
Amen
Blessings
Graham
365 Exhortations 