The Light of This World

As Dad read through the story of Jesus' birth to us yesterday, I was struck with the star that drew the attention of the wise men (see Matthew 2-13). The star was unusual. It didn't fit in, or look like the ones around it. It was rare. It stood out as being so remarkable, so different, it drew the attention of esteemed, wise and wealthy men. But as unusual as it was, it wasn't actually the star that was important or what the men were searching for; it was what the star was casting its light upon.

We are the light of this world. We are not to fit in or look like the darkness around us. We are to shine as brightly and purely as possible; not that others may stop and be content to see us, but that their attention may be directed to Christ the Lord, for Whom we shine.

And, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was. And when they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy. And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshiped him.
Matthew 2:9b-11a

Hope you all had a wonderful, blessed Christmas!

We had a very, very white Christmas with around 15 inches of snow!

Let me live, blessed Lord, in the light of Thy Word
Let my life be a light on a hill.
Leading souls gone astray to the straight, narrow way,
Help me do some good deed while I live.

Let my life be a light, shining out through the night,
May I help struggling ones to the fold.
Spreading cheer everywhere, to the sad and alone,
Let my life be a light to some soul.
--Unknown

Ye are the light of the world.
Let your light so shine before men,
that they may see your good works,
and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
Matthew 5:14a, 16

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