Daily Devotion, December 7, 2020

 

Devotion: Read John 3:1-8.

I love this passage! Nicodemus was one of the Pharisees, devout Jews who believed that one earned God’s love by meticulously following every detail of the law. They were judgemental of others who were not as disciplined as themselves and even lived apart to ensure they were not led astray. Nicodemus was a member of the ruling council or Sanhedrin, so he was a respected person in his community. His coming to see Jesus at night is an important detail. Nicodemus did not wish his peers to know that he was seeking to learn anything from this radical teacher who had very recently caused a great disturbance among the Jewish leaders by clearing out the temple.

Nicodemus was not coming to test or trick Jesus as Pharisees so often did. Nicodemus came earnestly seeking the truth about the kingdom of God. When Jesus told him he must be born again, Nicodemus asked how that is even possible. Nicodemus wanted to know more, and we also should want to know more. Jesus explained that our being born again is a spiritual rebirth, a birth “from above,” and it is different from our physical birth. Our new spiritual being is different from the old self. Born again, we are joined through Christ with the Father in the Spirit. Personal Worship Option: Reflect today on yourself as a spiritual being. Do you remember a time of spiritual rebirth, of being born again? Think how your life today is different because of your relationship with God -- Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Give thanks for Christ who came to give all of us the opportunity to be born from above.

Daily Devotion, December 6, 2020

 

Devotion: Read John 1:6-9.

In the time when Jesus was here on earth, there was speculation among many that John the Baptist was the Messiah. The writer of this Gospel addresses that issue very early in his book: John was not the light who was the Messiah, but was sent to be a witness to that light. His mission was to help others believe in the light.

Each of us have been given the same mission. Our purpose is to help every person we can to experience this light and come to believe in him. We are invited to be a witness to how this light has affected our life. We have all had experiences of the darkness trying to penetrate and deplete our life. We know of so many ways and through so many people, God has shown this light into those experiences, allowing us to see again and live again.

When you and I fail to share about our experiences with the light, we allow the darkness to remain in place. People who are dealing with the darkness are looking for some light to guide their way. Sometimes all they need is light as soft as the flicker of a candle to guide their next step and assure them that light is still available for their life. Who in your circle of relationships is needing some light right now? Who is searching for direction in their life? Who is scared? Who is lonely? How might you tell them or show them about the light who is Jesus Christ? John came as a “witness to testify to the light…” All who follow Jesus are also invited to share this light they have received.  Personal Worship Option: Name one or two people who you know need some light in their life right now. Pray about how God might use you to provide that light.

Daily Devotion, December 5, 2020

 

Devotion: Read John 1:3c-5.

It has been a year in which darkness in various forms has been part of our lives. A pandemic that has created all kinds of chaos and confusion. Tornadoes that ripped away property and protection. Politics that divided. Many have experienced feelings of isolation, hate, fear, anxiety and despair. In so many ways and forms, darkness seeks to take the life out of us.

The writer of the Gospel of John acknowledges that there is darkness in our world, but also assures us that God has sent a light into our world that cannot be overcome by the darkness. This light who is Jesus Christ shines into that darkness and it scatters away. This light restores life in us.  

While we have seen the darkness at work this year, we have also seen the light at work to overcome it. Healthcare workers have often gone “above and beyond” to provide comfort and care for those struggling with COVID. People came from far and near to help in the days immediately following the tornadoes. At Christ Church, we have sent four live worship services out into the homes of people each Sunday to help them stay connected to God and each other. In other words, God is still sending light into the darkness, wherever it is. And that darkness, no matter its form, cannot overcome the light. Personal Worship Option:

Note three ways you have seen light overcome darkness this year. Offer a prayer of gratitude to God.

Daily Devotion, December 4, 2020

 

Devotion: Read John 12:35-36b.

When we believe in and follow the One who is the light, we become children of light. The light of our Lord shines through us and helps light the way for others to know and follow him. Jesus gave two commands in this passage. To walk in the light and to believe in the light. It wasn’t enough to bask in the light. Or in other words, to be in Jesus’ presence wasn’t enough. To be the light in the world requires us to follow in Christ’s steps in word and deed. This is the only way that darkness is pushed aside. Darkness is defined as the absence of light. So it is up to us to show up and be the light in our world. Personal Worship Option: How will you be a light to others today?

Daily Devotion, December 3, 2020

 

Devotion: Read Luke 11:33-36.

If we allow God's light (John 8:12) to be placed within the lamp, which is us, we should let it shine from us. We are not to hide or bury it within us. There is a stark contrast between darkness and light. The darkness tries to hide and cover up all the things that need to be exposed. It also blinds us to seeing things as they truly are. The light helps give clarity to what it is that our eyes are seeing. Much like how light gives great exposure to a dark room, so does the light in our hearts do the same.

When our hearts are pursuing things that are holy, pure, just and are aimed at reflecting Christ, so then will our lives be living examples of the light that is living in our hearts. It all begins with the heart and what the heart is longing for. God’s word speaks clearly about where our hearts are, that is where our treasure also lies. Meaning the things that we pursue and covet most is an exact reflection of what is taking place on the inside.

We must use our eyes and hearts for walking in the light, not the darkness. We must also shine our lights so that it can illuminate for others. We are an example and people are watching. If you profess to be a Christian, people are paying attention to your behavior. Therefore, walk in the light, project the light and share the light of Christ.

Personal Worship Option:

I could not resist using this song from my childhood which I know many of you know. Sing this along in your mind or belt it out in your car.

This little light of mine, I'm gonna let it shine

This little light of mine, I'm gonna let it shine

This little light of mine, I'm gonna let it shine

Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine

Hide it under a bushel - NO!

I'm gonna let it shine

Hide it under a bushel - NO!

I'm gonna let it shine

Hide it under a bushel - NO!

I'm gonna let it shine, Let it shine

Let it shine, let it shine

Don't let Satan blow it out

I'm gonna let it shine

Don't let Satan blow it out

I'm gonna let it shine

Don't let Satan blow it out

I'm gonna let it shine

Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine

Daily Devotion, December 2, 2020

 

Devotion: Read John 8:12.

The darkest place I have ever been was during a walking tour in the Cumberland Caverns in McMinnville, TN.  We were perfectly still and silent during that moment to absorb this experience of complete darkness. It was just one minute but it seemed like an eternity. How relieved we were at the sight of the light from the small candle!

John's gospel, in John 1:4-5, begins with these words, “In him was life, and that life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood it.” Now here in John 8: 12a, Jesus is saying, “I am the light of the world.”

Jesus is in the temple courts as he is speaking these words. Light was an important part of the Feast of Tabernacles in the temple. The tabernacle’s light illuminated all of Jerusalem, but Jesus is the light of the world!

Then Jesus says, “Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” We have a choice. We can follow Jesus and walk in the light, or we can walk in darkness. The word, “follow”, is the language of faithful discipleship. Jesus says that whoever follows him will have the light of life. When his light is shining in us, others will be drawn to him.

When we were in complete darkness for that brief moment in the Cumberland Caverns, it would have been impossible to walk anywhere. But as soon as there was the smallest glimmer of light, our eyes began to adjust and we could follow our tour guide who was holding the candle, to the banquet room for Christmas dinner and music! Jesus is the light of the world! God’s gift to us all! For whom might you be the one holding the candle guiding them to Jesus? Personal Worship Option:

“I Want To Walk As A Child of the Light” inspires us to follow! This hymn was written in 1966 by Kathleen Thomerson, a native of Tennessee and an accomplished musician. Each stanza invites us into a journey of following Jesus: “I want to follow Jesus, I want to look at Jesus, I want to be with Jesus.” Here is the first stanza and refrain:  

“I want to walk as a child of the light. I want to follow Jesus. God set the stars to give light to the world. The star of my life is Jesus. Refrain: In him there is no darkness at all. The night and the day are both alike. The Lamb is the light of the city of God. Shine in my heart, Lord Jesus.”

Daily Devotion, December 1, 2020

 

Devotion: Read Acts 13:44-47.

On Paul’s first missionary trip, he and Barnabas established a pattern of going to the Jewish synagogues in each town first. He wanted to reach out to the Jews and share the light of the Gospel. Paul was a Jew. He was an insider and had connections with many Jews. When he was in Pisidian Antioch, he was given the opportunity to preach and he explained the Gospel in a simple way. He told the “story” of the Gospel. His sermon was so popular that he was invited back. Nearly the entire population gathered in the synagogue. The local religious leaders became, you guessed it, jealous and made all kinds of trouble. Paul and Barnabas shook the dust from their feet and moved on to the Gentiles, non-Jews. The missionaries were following God’s command to be a light to the Gentiles. What a challenge that was! Paul was an outsider to the Gentiles. The Gentiles didn’t have a reference point, a religious background. They didn’t know the prophecy or the stories from the Old Testament, but Paul was a good communicator and found ways to connect with them. Paul had to count on his imagination, his education, and the energy and power of the Holy Spirit in order to minister to the Gentiles. Called to be the “light,” Paul planted many churches in Gentile cities and wrote letters to them to encourage them in their faith.  As his people, we are still called to share his light with those who may see themselves as outsiders. Be committed to shine God’s light today to those who are different from you. Personal Worship Option:

Meditate today on the timely lyrics to Thomas Rhett’s “Be a Light.”

In a world full of hate, be a light

When you do somebody wrong, make it right

Don't hide in the dark, you were born to shine

In a world full of hate, be a light

 

In a place that needs change, make a difference

In a time full of noise, just listen

'Cause life is but a breeze, better live it

In a place that needs a change, make a difference