Day 18 - Shine!

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"4 In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it."

John 1:4-5 (NIV)

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Over the course of my 20 years, I have been in my fair share of Nativity's. From Shepherds, to Kings, to Joseph. I absolutely loved it as a kid being able to get dressed up and do something different than day-to-day school. Many times since then, I have wished to be able to go back. Relive the excitement but also to view the nativity through the eyes of a child. Keeping it simple.

In John 1 we see that Jesus is the light of all mankind and even though the darkness tries, His light has not been overcome. I don't know about you, but I am encouraged by that so much! Even in a world that tries to put out the light of Christ, we have eternal hope in the light of Christ. This gives me the strength to shine for Him.

One role I never got the chance to play was the star. A theme that keeps coming back to me this Advent season is the need for light in the darkness, but more than that - the need for that light to point to Christ. Just like the star all those years ago, I wonder are you a star for Christ? Pointing the way for all to come and see Him? There is still one week to go until Christmas. Are you going to shine for Christ?

Reflect today: Are you a shining light for the Christ? or are you a distraction? What can you do this week to shine and show the message of Christmas to those around?

Dear Lord,

It is hard to stay focused and easy to get distracted. Please help me to shine a light for you and show people to you. Help me to be the light in a world that wants to put my light out. Thank you for being the light so we might escape the darkness. Help me with all this I pray.

Amen