December 25: "You Are the Light of the World"; Let Your Light So Shine

December 25:

Luke 2:21-35  “On the eighth day, when it was time to circumcise him, he was named Jesus, the name the angel had given him before he had been conceived.  When the time of their purification according to the Law of Moses had been completed, Joseph and Mary took him to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord (as it is written in the Law of the Lord, ‘Every firstborn male is to be consecrated to the Lord’), and to offer a sacrifice in keeping with what is said in the Law of the Lord: ‘a pair of doves or two young pigeons.’  Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him.  It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord's Christ.  Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required, Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying:  ‘Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you now dismiss your servant in peace.  For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all people, a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel.’  The child's father and mother marveled at what was said about him.  Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: ‘This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too.’"

Last night, we attended our church’s Christmas Eve Candlelight Service.  It is my favorite service of the year because of its intimacy and holiness.

As we sat in the pew, my husband and I were the bookends for our kids; Nick was on my left, and Erika was on Mike’s right. 

At the close of the service, our pastor always lights his candle from the center candle, the Christ candle, in the Advent Wreath. Then, he lights his wife’s candle, and the two make their way down the center aisle of the church, lighting the first person’s candle in each pew. From there, each person’s candle is lit until the whole church is suffused in a soft glow.

As I awaited my turn, I considered the significance. 

Christ is, indeed, the light of the whole world. Light is necessary for life, and He is the source of it.  Without Him, there is no life – physical or spiritual. Likewise, as the True Light, only He provides direction. He is Good, in every sense of the world.  It is from Him that all Good originates: Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Gentleness, Faithfulness, Self-Control, Humility, Faith, Compassion, Mercy, Forgiveness, Love.

Just as “love” is the bookend for the list, I started thinking about my husband and me in relation to our kids and the light.  Like “love,” in the above paragraph, Mike and I have been the bookends in raising these kids in the light. Obviously, we can only do so much.  Christ is the only True Light. Nick and Erika have to choose for themselves to accept that light, and only Christ can provide the light (direction/moral path) for their lives. Even so, we all, parents and beyond, carry a responsibility to nurture that light in others. 

Once my candle was lit, Nick tilted his candle to mine, and a flame erupted, ready to be passed on. The symbolism was not lost on me.  I have done my best to help him find the Light, which I am confident he has.  It is now his turn to take that flame and pass it on. 

As I reverently considered the warm glow of the sanctuary, I was both awed and encouraged by this satisfying yet challenging task that God has given each of us.  As I looked around me at all the candles wavering in the room, I was reminded that we all have the responsibility to take that light and share it with someone.

A sea of candles provides strength and encouragement. The unity of light eliminates loneliness, as all are one in the light.  Likewise, the mass of light eliminates darkness; everything is clearly illuminated.  

And yet, when one is alone, cold, and wandering around in the dark, the light of one small flame can be like a cup of cold water to one who has been wandering in the desert.

As we celebrate the entrance of the Light of the World today, we need to be reminded of the fact that it is our opportunity to serve Him by sharing that light with those whom God has placed in our path every day of our lives. Everyone.

Matthew 5:14-16 ¹⁴ “You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. ¹⁵ No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. ¹⁶ In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.”

Merry Christmas today and everyday!

December 24: It's True; Wise Men Still Seek Him

December 24:

Matthew 2:1-2  “After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem  and asked, ‘Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him.’"

Since I am an English teacher, symbolism is a significant part of my world.  In fact, I can’t go anywhere or read anything at face value.  Whether I consciously try or not, I am always looking for symbols, analogies, and connections. 

When it comes to symbolism, one of my favorite pieces to read with students is the short story, “The Masque of the Red Death,” by Edgar Allan Poe.  Even though he is not one of my favorite authors, this piece is just so much fun to dissect.

If you are not familiar with the piece, Prince Prospero, a spoiled, selfish ruler, decides to lock himself and several of his friends in his castle in order to escape the “Red Death” (the Black Plague) that is destroying the populace of his kingdom.

After six months of seclusion, the Prince throws an elaborate masquerade ball to ease the boredom.  Since he is quite eccentric, his only requirement is that everyone dress in costume and wear masks. 

When someone dares to boldly wear a costume that resembles the Red Death, Prince Prospero chases the disrespectful party-goer from one end of his castle to the other, which so happens to run from east to west. In order to do so, he must pass through seven rooms. Each has a particular color scheme in a particular order: blue, purple, green, orange, white, violet, and finally, black. In the final, black room, the furnishings are a blood-red color, and there is a giant, imposing clock in that room as well. 

You can probably guess how the story ends. Even if you can’t guess, read it for yourself because I’m not telling you!

What I will tell you is that, through fits and starts, the students eke out the symbolism of the chambers.  They reflect the life cycle – there are seven rooms (the symbolic number of completion), the chambers run east to west, and the colors even symbolize the various stages of life. 

In today’s verse, the east-west symbolism is significant as well. 

Typically, East is associated with origins or beginnings.  For example, the sun rises in the East. Not only is it the start of a new day, it is the beginning of another day of life.  The possibilities are endless.  There is anticipation and hope. 

The Magi, or wise guys, followed the star in the East, to find the new king.  If we are going to be really honest here, the only thing that makes sense about that statement is the fact that they were following a star.  That’s because the Magi were sorcerers (magicians) and astrologists. Neither of these occupations is typically associated with God or Christianity.   Nevertheless, the star was significant to them, so they followed it to the place where the new King of the Jews was.

I’m no Biblical scholar, but my takeaway from this is that there is a God-shaped hole in everyone.  The Magi did not appear to be godly men.  They were employed by important men such as rulers and kings, but religion did not seem to factor into the mix.  Even so, the Magi seemed to understand the significance of this new king’s birth – to the point that they dropped what they were doing to travel many miles in order to follow this star.

Stars, their patterns, and movements were the livelihood and expertise of these men.  This star was obviously something special, and they recognized that fact.  They followed THIS star to worship the new king.  From a worldly vantage point, that makes no sense.  From a Kingdom perspective, it shows that all of mankind longs for God – the only, worthy, and just King. 

Likewise, the star was in the East.  All of the symbolism converges on this one point.  With his birth, Jesus Christ, the new star, signified a new beginning.  This child’s birth and later, His death, would allow mankind to be redeemed by grace and restored as God’s heirs.  His birth, and later, His death, would allow mankind to have a more personal connection with God via the Holy Spirit, also known as the Counselor.  His birth was the hope of world and the anticipation of eternal life for mankind. 

Even today, the star is in the East.  We have the hope of better things to come and the anticipation of Christ’s return.  His return will signify another new beginning – a new Kingdom.  If we are smart, we will continue to look to the East, following His star and worshiping Him with all that we have and are, until He returns.

Today’s Magi need no magic or astrological knowledge.  Wise men and women keep their eyes trained on the star in the East and still seek Him – His character and Will – through prayer, the Scriptures, and  close communion.  When we do, He has promised that we will not be disappointed.

Matthew 7:7 "Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.”

Psalm 16:11 “You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.”


Philippians 1:9-11 “⁹ I pray that your love will overflow more and more, and that you will keep on growing in knowledge and understanding. ¹⁰ For I want you to understand what really matters, so that you may live pure and blameless lives until the day of Christ’s return. ¹¹ May you always be filled with the fruit of your salvation—the righteous character produced in your life by Jesus Christ^[b]—for this will bring much glory and praise to God.”


Challenge: Be in the moment all day today.  Hug, listen, laugh, and celebrate.  There will never be another day or another moment just like this one.

December 23: Stinky Shepherds to Royal Reporters?

December 23:

Luke 2: 8-20 “And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night.  An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.  But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid.  I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.  Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.  This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.’ Suddenly, a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.’ When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, ‘Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.’ So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger.  When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.  The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.”

When my son was little and didn’t want to do his homework, I (somewhat) jokingly said, “That’s fine.  Someday, when you are working at the Metrodome, scrubbing toilets, Dad and I will stop by to see you now and then.” The reference to this undesirable task was usually enough to get him back on track.

Even though it no longer exists, the Metrodome was a large professional sports stadium, and reportedly (I am not male, never was in there, and cannot confirm), in the men’s bathrooms, there were troughs instead of urinals.  In considering the amount of beer that is typically consumed at a professional sporting event, I don’t think it’s much of stretch to assume that cleaning these bathrooms was a messy, unpleasant job. *

During the time of Christ, an equally unpleasant job was that of a shepherd.  According to historical reports, shepherding ranked up there with. . .nothing.  It was the most despicable job, and therefore, those who were in the occupation were the most despicable people in society.

As a shepherd, one was basically cut off from society.  First, this was due to proximity.  Shepherds spent the majority of their time in fields away from the general populace.  Secondly, they were cut off because people were generally suspicious of them.  Justified or not, shepherds were stereotyped as dirty, stinky, shifty thieves, so they were, as a byproduct, distrusted and shunned.  In short, no one wanted to be around them.  Period.

So why did God choose the outcasts of society to be the recipients of the big birth announcement?

God specializes in blowing our minds by doing the exact opposite of the predictable or expected.  In fact, (speaking generally, of course), the way things roll in Heaven is often the inverse of the way things roll on Earth. Worldly expectations and routine are rooted in sin and self while neither of those exists in Heaven.  Thus, when God chose the shepherds, He chose the least important in society to be the purveyors of the most important news.  In essence, He was elevating the most lowly to a position of power and authority.

In addition, God sends a pretty clear message about His accessibility as a ruler.  He is God for all, not just certain classes or castes.  All of His people are important to Him; no one is better than another. 

Likewise, by choosing the shepherds, He begins the first, of many, practical, real world lessons in which He shows us the importance and value of putting others first.  Humility is a common theme with God, and here we see Him underscoring it as He takes His first mortal breaths on Earth. Even though He is King, the “servants” are given a special place at Court.

Shepherds are also an apt choice because of their relative simplicity.  As shepherds, they didn’t get a lot of company, and no one ever paid any attention to them. Their lives were simple, and it’s probably safe to assume that their thinking was too. It is this child-like simplicity that God admires.  Mark 10:15 “¹⁵ I tell you the truth, anyone who doesn’t receive the Kingdom of God like a child will never enter it.” Belief is simple; over-thinking is what causes us to hesitate. 

Like children, the shepherds no doubt reacted with wonder and believed without question.  Imagine their astonishment not only at the angel’s words but also in regard to the crazy star party. “Suddenly, a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.’” (Luke 2:13-14).

Like children who cannot keep a secret, there was no way that these shepherds could keep something so amazing to themselves.  “When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, ‘Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.’ (Luke 2: 15).

For the first time in their lives, something epic had happened to them; these shepherds had been charged to deliver an important message. For once, instead of being the butt of every social joke, the shepherds  were the power-brokers, dispatched by the Almighty God.

When I first started teaching, the best piece of advice I ever received is something I still practice to this day.  I was told to always “make friends” (translation: always respect) with the janitors and secretaries because they are the real backbone of a school, and it’s true. Many teachers make the mistake of “copping an attitude” because they are teachers – as if they are somehow better, smarter, and/or more important.  That kind of attitude can earn a person many enemies and few friends.  (Plus, it’s just a stupid attitude.  ALL school employees work together to educate a child.)

As this example shows, respect is given when respect is shown.   Likewise, one of the best-kept secrets in effective leadership is to gain (ethically) the support of the disenfranchised, apathetic, and/or powerless. This is done when a leader genuinely offers, relinquishes, and supports opportunities for power and involvement to and with others, especially those who feel unnecessary or forgotten.  

One of the most basic desires of all humans is belonging.  We want to know that our voice matters – that we matter. Knowing us as intimately as He does, God recognized this need/desire in the shepherds and satisfied it by giving them the opportunity to deliver the big news. 

 “When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them” (Luke 2: 17-18).

As an added bonus (which God already knew would happen), the shepherds became loyal and true believers. “The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told” (Luke 2:20). 

As laughable as it sounds, I can almost envision God, rubbing His hands together like John “Hannibal” Smith of the 80s TV show, The A-team, as He says, “I love it when a plan comes together.”  There are no accidents, coincidences, or random occurrences when it comes to God, the Creator of the Universe. 

2 Corinthians 12: 9-10 “’But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me.  That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.”

Challenge: Do the task no one else wants to do.  There is always one.  A servant’s heart is invaluable.  Not only does it teach humility; it also shows others a better way to live.

Matthew 11:28-30 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.  Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.  For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."

*Disclaimer: I am not dissing anybody who cleans toilets for a living.  When I worked at the Dairy Queen right after I graduated from college, I scrubbed more than my fair share of toilets and cleaned both men’s and women’s bathrooms. It’s hard work, and someone has to do it.

December 22: The Easy Road? Not so Much.

December 22:

Luke 2:1-7  “In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world.  (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.)  And everyone went to his own town to register.  So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David.  He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child.  While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born,  and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.”  

What a kick in the teeth.   

That's not the typical reaction to the birth story; I agree. Don't get me wrong; second only to Christ's Crucifixion, this is the best story ever. I'm just thinking about Mary and Joseph again.

Both Mary and Joseph had specifically chosen to obey God’s command rather than go their own ways, and this was how they were rewarded for their obedience? One problem after another had arisen since making the decision to follow God’s instructions.

First, a census was decreed.  Mary was obviously far enough along in her pregnancy that if she were living in today’s day and age, her doctor would not have allowed her to travel.  However, since the decree was made by Caesar Augustus, and it was a non-negotiable law, Joseph saddled up the donkey, and off they went.

Then, as soon as they arrived in Bethlehem, Mary went into labor. It seems as though Murphy’s Law was already in full swing back then. Rather than have the baby in the comfort of her own home, surrounded by women she trusted, Mary ended up having to give birth in a foreign city. . .

And in a stable.  Yeah, that was the third complication.  Since everybody was in town for the big census, the hotels were full. Desperate times called for desperate measures. Joseph did the best he could to make his bride comfortable, but ultimately, she ended up delivering Jesus Christ, the Son of God, in a cold, stinky, dirty barn.

In addition, since she hadn’t figured on having a baby on this quick trip to Bethlehem, Mary had not brought along any supplies either.  Therefore, Mary did the best she could by gathering up whatever strips of cloth or rags she could find, so she could wrap the baby up – protecting him from the elements.

Now, of course, we are aware that God orchestrated all of this specifically as part of His plan. Even before He takes His first mortal breath, God was already showing us how to do this thing called life.  In fact, every aspect of His mortal existence was meant as a model. Even so, imagine Joseph and Mary’s exasperation concerning the situation.  After all, even though they were extraordinary examples of faith, they were, in fact, human.

Put yourself in their places.  Here you had sacrificed everything important to you – your reputation, your family’s reputation, your entire life's circumstances – to specifically follow God’s lead. You are a Sunday School success story.  You passed the test. You chose God over yourself.  Therefore, it follows that you should be rewarded for your efforts.  But what is your reward? One problem after another. What a rip off. 

Here is the deal.  Following God does not guarantee an easy path.  Actually, it is usually quite the opposite.  The world, specifically Satan, is not a fan of spiritual obedience, and He will send in His A-Team to take a person down once s/he has chosen God’s way. Choose God and prepare to have the whole world reject you.

Kevin Thompson, in his blog article, “A Dangerous Assumption About God’s Will,” says, “We have a responsibility to do everything we can to make wise choices and obey God’s commands. However, our obedience will not guarantee immediate success.”


When faced with obstacles, it is important not to assume that we have made the wrong choice.  It is even more important to stay connected to God in these circumstances.  As the old adage goes, “If He brings you to it, He will bring you through it.”  Even though He doesn’t create the hindrances, God allows them to happen according to His purposes. We may be confused, disillusioned, and disappointed, but the fact is that God always the situation under control. Always. 


As Kevin Thompson continues, “We are guaranteed that when we obey, a day will come in which we will never regret it. Obey. And if suffering or failure follows your obedience, don’t be too quick to assume you have chosen wrongly. You obey and leave the outcomes to God.”


And that’s exactly what Joseph and Mary continued to do.  In these verses, Luke gives no indication that Joseph or Mary complained, doubted, or hesitated.  In spite of all the setbacks and complications, Joseph and Mary persisted in faith and obedience because at the end of the day, that is all they had to give – themselves. 

That's all we have too. Therefore, a life of faith and obedience, although a difficult existence while on Earth, sounds like good idea to me. He has promised that if we choose Him, eternity with Him is a  given with the bonus of blessings beyond our wildest imaginations. Sounds too good to be true? It's the truth since it comes from the only One who is the source of what is good and true. I'm in.  How about you?


Psalm 37:4 “Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.”


Psalm 39:7 “But now, Lord, what do I look for? My hope is in you.”


Challenge: Share something today with someone else – even and especially if you don’t want to.