I drove by
a home in our neighborhood the other night that’s been decorated for Christmas.
The brilliant display of lights, with too many inflatable figures to count, all
combined to present an impressive car-stopping celebration of Christmas. I
drove by the same home today, during daylight hours. It was somewhat sad. The
inflatables are lying on their sides and all the lights turned off. The home
looks like an explosion took place in a Christmas décor store.
Jesus
declared: “I am the light of the world.” Then He told those who would
follow Him: “You are the light of the world.” There’s nothing more
beautiful than a follower of Christ who brilliantly displays the light of God’s
love through the way they live each day. People are profoundly impacted by genuine
demonstrations of kindness and compassion. I think it’s important to keep in
mind that even the smallest act of love can make a huge difference in someone’s
life.
On the
flipside, while there’s nothing more beautiful and profound than a brilliant
display of God’s love, there are few things sadder than a Christ follower who
has been designed for brilliance and instead they hide the “light.”
Matthew 5:14-16 NLT “You are the light of the world -- like a city on a
mountain, glowing in the night for all to see. 15 Don't hide your light
under a basket! Instead, put it on a stand and let it shine for all. 16
In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone
will praise your heavenly Father. You are the light of the world -- like a city
on a mountain, glowing in the night for all to see. 15 Don't hide your
light under a basket! Instead, put it on a stand and let it shine for all. 16
In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone
will praise your heavenly Father.”
If you’re a follower of Jesus determine you will be a
brilliant display of the amazing love of God this Christmas season. We never
know what love can do until we give it away.
