Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD has risen upon you.

~Isaiah 60:1 ESV

One of my favorite activities to do every year at Christmastime is to drive through the neighborhoods and enjoy the beautiful Christmas lights.

Like moths to a flame, we are all drawn toward the light, whether it is a brilliant sunset, or a blanket of stars on a chilly, winter night.

God created us to be drawn to light and not to darkness because God Himself is Light. We are drawn to these lesser lights because they are a subtle hint and reflection of the breathtaking wonder of one day seeing God face-to-face.

If we are drawn to little Christmas lights, no wonder the hearts of thousands will be gathered to be near Jesus and learn from Him. The light of His love and wisdom shone brighter than a thousand suns and attracted people from everywhere. They were changed by merely being in His presence. Even Moses, after being in God’s presence, had to cover his face with a veil because it shone with the glory of God (see Exodus 34:27-35).

Now it was so, when Moses came down from Mount Sinai … that Moses’ face shone…

~Exodus 34:29a,c NKJV

As it says in Matthew 5:16 ESV, “In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” If we spend time with Him, we will become like Him and shine, reflecting His glory for all to see. I want to glow with the glory of God. How about you?

Are you shining your light so others see Jesus Christ through you?

Heavenly Father, in this season of darkness, draw me ever deeper into Your presence. In that intimacy, may I catch a glimpse of Your glory and be transformed, so I may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation” (see Philippians 2:15 ESV). Like Moses, may I carry Your glory, drawing those in darkness to Your beautiful light. And like Mary, may I welcome Your Spirit to birth a miracle of life and hope within me. May I shine like the stars in the darkness, and take part in bringing the light of salvation to the world.

In Jesus’ name, amen.

Genre: Non-fiction

Copyright 2021: Shine Like the Stars: Julie Souza Bradley Lilly: All Rights Reserved