Shine, Baby, Shine

Just look at that gorgeous “Full Corn Moon”. I am by no means a student of the skies, but I’ll admit that I can sure get taken by a clear night sky with a full moon. That moon led me to google it to see if it was a special moon. Sure enough, it was the “Full Corn Moon”. Usually it’s called the Harvest Moon, but this year that name is reserved for October’s full moon. That’s because the Harvest Moon is the full moon that falls closest to the autumnal equinox (seasons opposite the equator), which occurs on September 22nd this year (the first day of Fall). Looking up to the night sky and seeing how the stars and moon are so perfectly aligned, brings calm and comfort, especially when we consider all that is going on here on planet Earth. Maybe we SHOULD be looking up more often so that we reflect what we're looking at -- lights that brighten up the dark.

Isn’t it interesting that a brilliant moon, lighting up the entire night, is actually getting its light from the sun? It is totally dependent on the sun for that radiant light. I can’t help but think of how our relationship with our Creator is the same way. We are dependent on Him for our light. He is our bright light and we are made to reflect His light.

Our world may seem very dark right now -- especially if we watch a lot of world news. Oh, but there IS HOPE! May we remember that wherever there is darkness, there is also the brightest LIGHT of Christ. He pierced the darkness forever. He is THE LIGHT that will never fade and will never be overcome.
John 1:5 says “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” Instead of stumbling around in the darkness, we have the light of Christ as our guide. Wherever our path takes us today, it is lit up brightly.

Christ is our ultimate LIGHT source, and we are called to reflect His light and to shine, Baby, shine. We don’t shine on our own. John 8:12 says “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows Me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” We are called to be the people who reflect God’s light in the darkness of this world. This hurting world needs to know His light. Where there is pain and suffering and questions about tomorrow, the only one constant is that of our LIGHT.

May God use us to be a blessing during these perilous times. Some of us can give financially or in some other tangible way. Some of us can go to places of devastation to help and serve. All of us can pray for the sun to shine again for those who need that Light the most. What a beautiful reflection you and I can be to a hurting world. May we use the opportunities He gives us to shine His light wherever we go. May His love and grace shine through us. May we shine with our words and our actions.

Matthew 5:16 “In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”

Let's remember . . . darkness cannot survive where there is light.