God Speaking

“Blessed are those who have learned to acclaim you, who walk in the light of your presence, O Lord”

(Psalm 89: 15)

Christmas time in the city in which we live, is ablaze with lights during the festive season. Local homes are festooned with colourful light displays, lampposts in the streets have decorative lights entwined around them, shops use every opportunity to attract customers with cheerful lighting. The hundreds of lights dispel the gloomy weather of winter. The reason for the lights is to celebrate the birth of Christ, the King and we are made aware of this incredible happening by Crèches nestling among the myriad of lights, but as we approach the New Year and life returns to normal, slowly the lights begin to disappear. Some homeowners choose the 1^st January, others the 6^th January, but the festive lights all vanish as the New Year takes over.

As we pack away our crèches, do we somehow leave behind the wonder and glory of that momentous day? As the hum drum of normal life takes over, does it dispel the love and warmth of the Christmas spirit?  Does the urge to help others less fortunate than us fade and we become unaware of those in need around us?

Recently in a shopping mall at the height of the frantic shopping, a little boy running behind his mother, was heard to cry;

Don’t leave me behind

Perhaps that might be what the Lord is saying to us as we begin again the challenge of a brand, New Year.  Isaiah, the prophet, had some wise advice for the children of Israel and of course for all of us;

“Come, O house of Jacob, let us walk in the light of the Lord.” (Isaiah 2: 5)

If we choose to walk in the light of the Lord, we won’t be leaving behind the beautiful message of Christmas, but will be keeping his love alive within us and Jesus himself tells us the amazing impact this has on those around us.

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

None of us have any idea of what the New Year will bring, but we can be certain that whatever darkness may intrude upon our lives, we have this solid reminder that as his chosen ones any darkness will quickly dissipate and disappear, banished by his wonderful light.

“But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.” (1 Peter 2: 9)