The Light Of Christ

Psalm 112:4-5 (KJV)

Unto the upright there ariseth light in the darkness: he is gracious, and full of compassion, and righteous.

A good man sheweth favour, and lendeth: he will guide his affairs with discretion. 

The light of Christ who is gracious, full of compassion, and righteous shines upon a world that can be very dark. The world can also be full of the light of Christ. But, many love the darkness because the darkness will hide their sins. There will be legislatures that will make what is wrong right so that their own sins may be hidden. There will be many who support this subversion of justice. 

But, those who know Jesus live in the light that the truth may be seen. They live bathed in the light of Christ that they might live in comfort and in peace. 

For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.

He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.

And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.

For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved.

But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God. 

                                                                         (John 3:17-21)

For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. 

                                                                             (2 Cor 4:6)

Jesus the Christ is the light that was sent into the world. Live life! Live it in the light of Christ to the glory of God!

God's Peace - Pr. J.

His Face Shone; They Were Afraid

And it came to pass, when Moses came down from mount Sinai with the two tables of testimony in Moses' hand, when he came down from the mount, that Moses wist not that the skin of his face shone while he talked with him.

And when Aaron and all the children of Israel saw Moses, behold, the skin of his face shone; and they were afraid to come nigh him.

And Moses called unto them; and Aaron and all the rulers of the congregation returned unto him: and Moses talked with them.

And afterward all the children of Israel came nigh: and he gave them in commandment all that the Lord had spoken with him in mount Sinai.

And till Moses had done speaking with them, he put a vail on his face. 

                                                                          (Exodus 34:29-35)

An encounter with God can last for all of eternity! 

For whatever reason, God chose Moses to lead his people out of Egypt. He chose to reveal himself to Moses, first in a burning bush and then later on the mountain when he gave Moses His law. These encounters were life changing and not just for Moses. Yes, they changed his life. The encounter on the mountain actually changed his countenance. His face absolutely shined. The glow of the light on his face was so much that the people were afraid to go near to him. 

Moses' encounters with God not only affected him but also had an effect on the people of God. Although he was never able to enter the promised land, he led the people there. He was with them to let them know what God was promising them as well as what God expected of them. 

No matter who it is that God reveals himself to that person is changed for all of eternity. God has revealed himself to us through Jesus. Encounters with Jesus; getting to know him will change us forever. And, yes... people will be a bit wary of the followers of Jesus. Some will even be afraid of those who follow him. Not everyone will understand. 

No matter what people may think of you remember that you have the light of Christ within you.  "For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ." (2 Cor 4:6)

Do not be afraid to let others see the light of Christ that shines through you. Do not worry about what they may think. "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven." (Matt 5:16)

God's Peace - Pr. J.

The Light Of The World

Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.

Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.

Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

                                                                               (Matt 5:14-16 KJV)

A candle lit from the candles on the altar is often given to the newly baptized with these words: "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven." 

The light that is taken from the altar to remind us that without the light of Christ, we have no light of our own. Jesus is the light of the world. 

"Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life." (John 8:12)

Without him we live in darkness.

His light is a gift to us to be shared with others. What good is it if we do not let our light shine; if we do not profess Christ and as we at least attempt to do what is good and right? 

Again, "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven." 

God's Peace - Pr. J.

The Light Reveals

And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not. (John 1:4-5 KJV)

The last couple of nights have revealed a super moon shining in the darkness of the night. It was awesome to behold. Where there is usually darkness there was light. Although, a bit shaded, nothing within seeing distance was hidden.

The light will reveal all things. The light, who is Jesus the Christ, has come into the world. His light shines upon us and guides us in the way that he would have us go.

After Jesus, confronted the Pharisees, by telling them that those without sins should cast the first stone at the woman caught in adultery and not a one of them could: "Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life." (John 8:12)

When we follow Jesus all things are revealed to us. The darkness hides those things we prefer no one sees. But, the light reveals all things. It can be a bit scary to the ego to think that God and others know what we're really about. But, if we step into the light and follow that light, who is Jesus the Christ, we don't have to worry about those things that need to be hidden from others. We can live in the truth when we live in the light and in his love. 

God's Peace - Pr. J.

Light of Life

Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.

                                John 8:12 KJV

The world can be a very dark place especially for those who find themselves deep in the throes of depression. Depression  and other forms of mental illness can cause a person to act irresponsibly toward themselves as well as others. Floundering around in the darkness can cause many more catastrophes. Imagine walking through a mine shaft in the dark of night without even a peep of light coming from the shaft's entrance. You might fall into a pit which you can never get out. You might die without ever seeing the light of day again.

You may be so far in the dark that you need help to get back into the light. Do not neglect to get help from specialists who can lead you out of that dark place into the light. And, please, remember that the only light that is eternal and will never leave you in the dark is the light of Christ. His light never goes out. As the saying goes, "Wise men seek him."  He is the light that shines in whatever darkness you may find yourself in. If you find yourself imprisoned in darkness, Jesus can and will shine a light on you and release you. He is the light of life.

God's Peace - Pr. J

High Places

"The Sovereign Lord is my strength;

he makes my feet like the feet of a deer,

he enables me to tread on the heights." (Hab 3:19 NIV)

"The Lord God is my strength, and he will make my feet like hinds' feet, and he will make me to walk upon mine high places." (Hab 3:19 KJV)

It has been many years since I read, "Hinds Feet On High Places," an allegory, written by Hannah Hurnard. The journey of Much-Afraid and her friends Sorrow and Suffering, as they follow Shepherd to the high places, where they will walk as on hinds' feet, takes them through many dangers. It is a long journey. They must have patience. They must have persistence. But, in the end, they (we) will dance in the presence of God. 

This is a familiar story to many of us as we journey daily through many difficult times in anticipation and in hope of the promised land.

Just as Habakkuk prayed and waited patiently for the LORD to deliver God's people from the enemy and the many dangers that surround them; we pray and wait patiently (sometimes not as patiently as at other times) for the LORD to deliver His people from the turmoil and dangers we encounter as we journey through the dark shadows of the valley of death.

The Lord is our strength. With Him we shall walk through dark valleys to the high places where the light does surely shine. 

God's Peace - Pr. J

Brightness Of His Glory

 

"Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high:" (Hebrews 1:3 KJV)

The morning sunrise and evening sunset are both beautiful. But, nothing in this world can compare to the brightness of the glory of our savior, Jesus the Christ. He is the light that shines even in the darkest of our days. He, alone, is the reason for our hope.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Live Life in the Light of Christ

Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life.”    

                                                                           (John 8:12 NRSV)

The winter nights get mighty long. There seems to be way to many hours of darkness. But, it does not have to be that way. Jesus, who is the light of the world, is with you always. The light of his life and of his love shines like a beacon even in the darkest of days or nights. 

Follow in the way the Jesus would have you go and live life in his light no matter how dark the world might appear.

God's Peace - Pr. J

The Word Lights Our Way

"Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path." (Psalm 119:105 NRSV)

The world can be pretty dark at times. There are definitely times in life when we cannot figure out which way we should go. The path is obscured. In times like this there is only one light that can show us the way out of the darkness. The word of God is the light that will show us the way in which to go.

God's Peace - Pr. J

The Light Shines

“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven." (Matt 5:14-16 NIV)

It is dark outside as I write this; but, not totally. There always seems to be a bit of light coming from somewhere no matter how dark the night might be. The only time it appears totally dark is when my eyes are closed. When we shut our eyes to the world we cannot see the light. Neither can we reflect the light if we close our hearts to the love and light of God. 

It is said that darkness is merely the absence of light. When our hearts are filled with the darkness brought about by anger or envy or fear or hatred; the light of Christ cannot shine within and through us so that others might see the light and glorify our Father in heaven. 

Open your eyes and see the light of Christ shine through others. Open your heart that the light of Christ might shine through you.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Secrets

There is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known. What you have said in the dark will be heard in the daylight, and what you have whispered in the ear in the inner rooms will be proclaimed from the roofs. (Luke 12:2-3 NIV)

I am pretty sure that everyone has secrets. Some may seem very trivial. Some not so trivial. Some are good. Some are bad. Some are just pure gossip that really are not secrets at all. They're not secrets because they are spread from household to household, behind closed doors, presumably in the dark, so no one else will know. But, everyone knows what lies that they have told while attempting to live and speak in secret; in the darkness.

Here's the kicker: the secret does not remain secret. It will eventually be revealed by the light. Sooner or later the door will open and the light will shine on the dark places. The truth will be known. We can try to keep as many secrets as we want; but, remember that God knows all the secrets that we try to hide from the world. .

Speak with integrity. Speak with truth. Live in the light of Christ.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Joy Inspite Of Dark Days

But the path of the righteous is like the light of dawn,
    which shines brighter and brighter until full day.
The way of the wicked is like deep darkness;
    they do not know what they stumble over.

Prov 4:18-19 NRSV

I stayed up a little later than usual last night. Consequently, I ended up sleeping in later than usual, as well. It does not seem to matter whether it is the Upper Peninsula cold or Florida warmth; these darker days of winter definitely affect my need for sleep. I woke up this morning thinking about joy probably because this coming Sunday is the "Sunday of Joy."  But, also during the darker days of Advent I could; most of us could, use a little bit of joy injected into our lives.

I have a pretty good idea why our forefathers designated it as the "Sunday of Joy." First, we are getting closer, only a week a way from the day that we celebrate when the Son of God is born as Son of Man. That is Good News, indeed. It was a very dark world when he was born. He came to be the light that would open our eyes and hearts and minds to the knowledge of our Creator and Redeemer; so that we might follow in the righteous path.

It is also probably called the "Sunday of Joy" because the days are getting shorter and shorter and the darkness is getting longer and longer each day. In the darkness there is much gloom; so we do all that we can to insert a bit of joy into life so that no one despairs.

Soon, very soon, the darkness will be replaced with light. All will be changed (next week) and the days will get brighter longer; even as everything got brighter when Jesus was born to the world. There will still be darkness. But, the light will overcome the darkness as the light shines brighter and brighter until the day that he shall come again. This time in full glory!  In this we rejoice!

God's Peace be with you and may you serve Him always with a joyful heart!

Pr. J

Facing Death With Joy

Light shines on the righteous
    and joy on the upright in heart.
Rejoice in the Lord, you who are righteous,
    and praise his holy name. 
                        (Psalm 97:11-12 NIV)

Resurrection day was both a time of joy and grief for me. As I was leaving the church after worship, I received a call that one of our members, Tom McMullin, had passed away that morning. He will be missed. The light that shone through Tom will be missed.

I have not known Tom for all that long. But, he is someone who I will remember always. He has struggled with health issues for some time now; but, he always had a positive attitude about it. He knew that no matter what might happen, God was with him and that God had a good plan for him. There seemed to always be an infectious joy about Tom and it was good to be around him. That kind of joy, even in times of trouble, can only come from one place: faith and hope in our Lord, Jesus the Christ.

On Easter Sunday, the voices ring out "He is risen. He is risen, indeed." What a blessing to be reminded that neither death or the grave have any power over our Savior. Because he lives so shall we!

The light of Christ surely shone through Tom; may it shine through all of us, this day, as well.

God's Peace - Pr. Judy

The Light Is Jesus The Christ!

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.  He was with God in the beginning.  Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made.  In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind.  The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” John 1:1-5 NIV

The light shines in the darkness.  We are nearing the end of the secular calendar year even as we have already begun a new church year.  The church year begins with Advent, the time we prepare for the celebration of the light to come into the world. That light is God incarnate.  That light is Jesus the Christ.

Those who walk in the light know that no matter what happens; God is with them.  Almighty God, through whom all things were made, has a good purpose for those who love Him.  We shall not fear no matter how dark the valley of the shadow of death might be, for we see and we know the light that has come into the world.  The darkness can never overcome that light.  The world may pass away, but the Word, who is Jesus the Christ, shall never pass away.

Scripture tells us, the Word tells us, that no one may know the when the world will pass away. We cannot know the day or the hours.  Even though, we might see the signs and know that the time is coming, no one can know their last day in advance.  But, as for Christians, for those who follow in the footsteps of Jesus Christ, seeking the Kingdom of God, this is not a worry.  This is the day of celebration we wait for with hopeful anticipation. This will not be a dark day.  It will be a day filled with the glorious light of Christ and we will rejoice when we see God face to face, when we see Him with our own eyes and not the eyes of another!

Do not fret.  Christ has come, ushering in His Kingdom.  Christ is present.  Christ will come again bringing His Kingdom in all its fullness, in all its glory!  This is good news for all who believe!

May the light of Christ shine in and through you no matter how dark the days may become.  May the peace of the LORD, Jesus Christ, be with you during this Advent and Christmas season.

Pr. J.

High Places

"The Sovereign Lord is my strength;

    he makes my feet like the feet of a deer,

    he enables me to tread on the heights." (Hab 3:19 NIV)

"The Lord God is my strength, and he will make my feet like hinds' feet, and he will make me to walk upon mine high places." (Hab 3:19 KJV)

It has been many years since I read, "Hinds Feet On High Places," an allegory, written by Hannah Hurnard. The journey of Much-Afraid and her friends Sorrow and Suffering, as they follow Shepherd to the high places, where they will walk as on hinds' feet, takes them through many dangers.  It is a long journey. They must have patience. They must have persistence. But, in the end, they (we) will dance in the presence of God. 

This is a familiar story to many of us as even daily we journey through many difficult times in anticipation and the hope of the promised land.

Just as Habakkuk prayed and waited patiently for the LORD to deliver God's people from the enemy, from the many dangers that surround them; we, too pray and wait patiently (sometimes not as patiently as at other times) for the LORD to deliver His people from the turmoil and dangers they encounter as they journey through the dark shadows of the valley of death.

 

The Lord is our strength. With Him we shall walk through dark valleys to the high places where the light does surely shine. 

God's Peace - Pr. J