The Lord is my light and my salvation— whom shall I fear?
How do you feel about Christmas? Are you just plain excited, or is there also something you aren’t looking forward to?
As much as Christmas is a festive time, it often stirs up bittersweet feelings too. You can have high hopes for the season and dread it at the same time.
During Christmas, family tensions resurface, loss feels heavier, and the absence of loved ones is more prominent. While Christmas is a season of connection, it can also feel incredibly lonely –especially for those of us who don’t have a family of our own (yet or anymore) to celebrate with.
From the outside, it might feel like you’re enjoying this festive season and celebrating every moment while killing yourself inside to keep up with the expectations that come with it. If that applies to you, take heart and be encouraged by the story of John the Baptist:
There was a man sent from God whose name was John. He came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all might believe. He himself was not the light; he came only as a witness to the light. The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world. – John 1:6-9
John’s life wasn’t easy, but he knew his part: being a witness to the Light (= Jesus). John also knew that he was not the light. He knew that everyone, including himself, needs the Light.
During this season, we too need the Light of Christ shining through our lives, especially in the dark places of dread, loneliness, grief and pain.
friend take a moment today to share your true feelings with Jesus. Are you scared, miserable, hurting or angry? Share it with Him, and ask Him to shine His light into those dark places of your heart.
End with proclaiming Psalm 27:1: “The Lord is my light and my salvation— whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life— of whom shall I be afraid?”
