From last year, but worth reposting
Good morning friends, we hope you are well.
Today is the shortest and the darkest day of the year where we live, literally. Which gives me reason to contemplate things, especially the contrast between darkness and light.
"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
The same was in the beginning with God.
All things were made by Him, and without Him was not anything made that was made.
In Him was life, and the life was the LIGHT of men.
And THE LIGHT shines in the darkness, and the darkness comprehended it not(couldn't overcome it, couldn't understand it.)
John 1:1-5
Thank God for The Light of the world- Jesus Christ, full of grace and truth.
If you've been on vacation somewhere, like Disneyland where you havent noticed, the real world has gotten very, very dark. And the days(time as we know it) are short.
So many are in the dark, either by choice or by deception, and cannot find the way out.
That's where we come in. We are to be salt & light in the world.
Paul said this:
"Do all things without murmurings and disputings:
That you may be blameless and sincere, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation(people and/or generation) among whom YOU SHINE AS LIGHTS IN THE WORLD."
Philippians 2:14-15
Friends, when you're lost, and it's dark and cold, a light cutting through that darkness brings hope and anticipation- joy at the very thought of being rescued. It helps people to hang on just a little bit longer so they CAN be rescued.
It's nearly Christmas. Regardless of when Jesus was born, regardless of the roots of the day, regardless of any of the technical puke anyone may want to spew on this holiday season, I tell you of a truth- let your light so shine in the darkness. Many are hoping and praying for sign that God exists and that Jesus is real and that He's heard their prayer.
You be that kind stranger, that angel, that messenger from God. Reach out, holding forth the Word of life, even in the checkout line. Even a heartfelt smile and a genuine God Bless You has brought much needed warmth and tears to people's eyes. People are starving to death for love and acceptance, and we have Him, living on the inside of us. So let Him love them, through you today. Be light in a dark and cold world. Be a beacon of hope today.
God richly bless you all. I pray great boldness and the anointing and manifestation of His love in your life today. May you never be the same.
We love you all dearly.
Preecher
