Angels and tinsel and tree tops and lights and sparkling, glittering gold and silver.

But nothing shines brighter than the joy on their faces.

I love giving gifts. The most heart-warming, rewarding gift of a gift-giver is the pleasure of seeing the recipient glow with delight.

There is nothing like Christmas morning with the lit up faces of children–overflowing with anticipation when they first see the tree piled with presents just waiting to be opened.

HOW COULD WE?  How could we not see it?  This holiday we celebrate is just that:  The greatest Gift-Giver ever, anticipating the pure pleasure of seeing us receive His gift!

“Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you believe in Him so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”  Romans 15:13

How could we NOT shine with pure joy when we recognize WHO HE IS?

“You are the light of the world. A city situated on a hill cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and puts it under a basket, but rather on a lampstand, and it gives light for all who are in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:14-16

Could it be that we are filling our lives with so much more of what the world offers instead of what God offers?  Being in the world, but not of the world is one of the hardest things to balance.  We live on this planet He created for us, but we are made alive by Him and for Him.  Keeping our focus on His plan and purpose for our lives gets complicated, even in the best of times.

This Christmas season we will either:

DEFLECT the light–by focusing on the package and bows and how much we can bestow…

…or we will REFLECT the light–keeping our eyes on THE GIFT: JESUS–the giver of all good things.

“Every generous act and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights; with Him there is no variation or shadow cast by turning.” James 1:17

I want to be realistic.  I know we’re human, and the forces that be will try to turn this time of celebration into chaos if we let him.  The choice is ours.

Will I allow the hustle and bustle to drown out the sweet lullaby of this baby in a manger?

Will the pursuit of gifts distract me from revelling in the Greatest Gift?

Or will I choose to allow The Light of the World to shine through me?

I’ve been reading the book of Daniel, the one who dreamed dreams and spoke for God.  His was a life mixed with difficulty and privilege, but through it all, he remained faithful.  I chose this verse for my Scripture Memory Challenge as a reminder that true wisdom comes from God,

and

reflects

His 

light.

“Those who are wise will shine
like the bright expanse of the heavens,
and those who lead many to righteousness,
like the stars forever and ever.”   Daniel 12:3

May it be so.

~~Vickie

“This little light of mine,

I’m gonna let it shine…”