NEIGHBORHOOD DRIVES

“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 things to do every year at Christmastime is to hop in the car and drive through neighborhoods and enjoy the beautiful Christmas lights. They shine like the stars and radiate hope into the darkness.

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

GOD’S LIGHTS

God created us to avoid darkness but to come to light because He is light. These lesser lights draw us because they subtly hint and reflect the breathtaking wonder of seeing God face to face one day. 

JESUS, THE LIGHT OF GOD

If little Christmas lights draw us, we shouldn’t wonder at the thousands who 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 far and wide. His presence changed them.  Even Moses, after being in God’s presence, covered his face with a veil because it shone with the glory of God (Exodus 34:29, 35). 

BE A SHINING LIGHT

Jesus said 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, shine, and reflect His glory for all to see.

In this season of darkness, we need to draw deeper into God’s presence. In that intimacy, we can catch a glimpse of His glory and be transformed so we can become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation” (Philippians 2:15).

Like Moses, we can carry God’s glory and draw those in darkness to His radiant light. And like Mary, we can invite His Spirit to birth a miracle of life and hope within us. 

I want to glow with the glory of God. What are some ways you can do the same?

Father God, as I draw close to You, help me shine like the stars in the darkness. Help me to also bring the light of salvation to the world.  In Jesus’ name, amen.

Genre: Non-fiction

Copyright 2023: Shine Like the Stars: Julie Souza Bradley Lilly: All Rights Reserved