THIS IS THE DAY the Lord Has Made! Let's LIGHT It Up!

Indeed, “This is the day the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad for it!” (Psalm 118:24) This day was created by God from the very beginning for His will and good pleasure. It’s a day of great joy to be alive and to celebrate His goodness and mercy that endures forever. I raise His banner of love high on this 31st day of October and I sing out His praises for His greatness and unfathomable love.

I said all that to urge us to light up this day with the Light of Christ. I’ll admit that talking, walking and living in the Light is my number one priority. I've seen lots of photos, on my FB newsfeed, of cute little kiddos being introduced to their first Trick or Treat experience, as well as photos of some quite spooky, blood-curdling Halloween costumes donned by fun-loving grown-ups. I know it’s all about the fun of sporting those costumes and acting out their characters…..BUT!

Not to take away any fun from anyone, but the older I get, and the closer and more intimate and familiar I've become with THE LIGHT, the more I shun darkness and evil on TV, in books and movies, the sweeter and more peaceful my journey has become. How precious that is to me. I steer clear of darkness with intentional determination-- and I'm consistently drawn to THE LIGHT. So in writing this post, it's not to judge anyone's personal convictions, but I really desire to share why I am wrapped up in THE LIGHT.

When I was a child, Halloween was one of the two days a year that we hauled in lots of candy (Easter, being the other). I would usually dress up in some homemade costume -- like a hobo or my pj's. Yes, I went trick or treating as a child and yes, I turned out alright. However, our world around us has changed so much since my childhood.

Over the years I've become more aware of the origins of Halloween and have become more troubled in my heart about this "fun" day. So much so, that I steer clear of Halloween festivities that celebrate this day. I'm posting this because I'm compelled by the LIGHT that has transformed my life, so much so that I truly determine to be God's fully devoted follower in every way. I'm simply sharing these words for you to ponder, consider and seek God's wisdom as you celebrate this day with your sweet, innocent and precious family.

Whether you celebrate this day with your family as a Fall Harvest or go door to door trick or treating, ask God to show you His LIGHT on the subject. We all want our families to have the best, most blessed options....every day. May we humbly ask God for His wisdom and then allow the Holy Spirit to guide us. There is darkness all around us and it's up to us to make God (The Light) famous. It may be a good idea to have a discussion with our family about the origins of tricks, treats, witches and jack-o-lanterns AND then focus on the abundant life and LIGHT of our Savior! If you're celebrating today, know what you're celebrating......celebrate LIFE and the LIGHT! “Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” Matthew 5:16

“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things.” Philippians 4:8

Let There Be Light

We all experienced times of darkness in our lives. There's just no way to escape it: a season of regret, a time of the passing of a loved one, a debilitating illness, a financial set back, bad decisions, a huge disappointment, and so many more occasions to "be in the dark".

Here’s the truth about darkness. Darkness is absent of light. Think about it. The more we dwell on our negative feelings or confront someone that is negative, the darker it becomes. The more we listen to the news about wars and politics and economy failures, the darker it seems to get. But we have the power within our grasp to change all that. All we have to do is switch on the light.

Since creation, God has illuminated our world’s dark places. He started it all when He said, “Let there be light,” and there was light”. –Genesis 1:4

The room in this photo was pitch dark. It was absent of light. But, when the light came on, the room was illuminated so much that darkness was dispelled.

We have been called to be LIGHT BEARERS. If our little lights are shining out from within, we can BE THE LIGHTS that brighten our world. On the other hand, if our lights are dim, even out, not only will we not brighten the corners where we are, but we may very well be the circuit breaker switch that darkens the whole room. How does that happen? When we are complaining, whiny, bitter, angry, cynical, fearful, and anxious, darkness enters. We have a choice, stay there or TURN ON THE LIGHT because when LIGHT stands next to DARKNESS, LIGHT will always win.

First Jesus said, “I am the Light of the world”, then he turned around and flipped it and said to us, “You are the LIGHT of the world.” So, let’s BE THE LIGHT in our family, our neighborhood, our workplace, our church and our world and watch DARKNESS flee in terror!!

Be Like Rudolph. Let Your Light Shine.

In just a few hours, I'll be heading to the airport to fly to Seattle to be with my Washington family. I'll be joining the multitudes that are crowding into airports, shopping malls, restaurants and onto the highways this week of Christmas.

Maybe people are crowding into your home, your schedule, and your plans.  What a great opportunity we have to STAND OUT in the crowds.  Every face in every crowd has either received the gift of "the light of the world" or they haven't. Jesus coming to this earth is that LIGHT. And,  we are that LIGHT, too!  That's what Jesus said, "You are the LIGHT of the world....."  the LIGHT that this world needs right now so very much.   We can be a LIGHT today to everyone we encounter. When the lines are long and the crowds are angry or frustrated, we can be different -- and we can be THE DIFFERENCE MAKER for others. Our smile will be noticed. Our joy will be contagious. Our peace will be coveted. Our kindness will be appreciated. And the Christ of Christmas will be glorified and revealed in our character and demeanor. Let's pray for the opportunity to be that LIGHT today.

Jesus is the light of the world, through us. Let's shine brightly today in every crowd.
#BeTheLight #ThisLightLightOfMine #LetItShine