This Christmas Let Your Light Shine

The Bible tells us that when Jesus arrived on this earth, He became a light to everyone around Him. He was not only a spiritual light, offering us a way to have a personal relationship with God, but His light shined brightly everywhere He went.

Luke 1:78-79 says, Because of and through the heart of tender mercy and loving-kindness of our God, a Light from on high will dawn upon us and visit [us] to shine upon and give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to direct and guide our feet in a straight line into the way of peace (AMP).

Jesus truly loved people—He listened to them, had compassion for them, healed them and brought joy and life to each situation. Simply put, people felt better after they spent time with Him!

In the same way, the Bible says that Christians are the salt of the earth and the light of the world (see Matthew 5:13-16). Because Jesus lives in us, we can shine the light of His love to everyone around us—on the job, in the grocery store, and even among friends and family members who don’t have a relationship with God.

I think we can sometimes complicate what it means to love other people and represent Jesus with our lives. Many times, it’s simple things that can mean so much.

Just think for a moment…

• What kind of impact would you make this holiday season if you decided to be happy and full of joy everywhere you went?
• What if you took an extra minute to talk to that person at work who seems lonely or is going through a difficult time?
• How would it make someone feel if you texted them a quick message to say you’re thinking about them and praying for them?
• What would it mean to a struggling family if you surprised them with a gift to help make their Christmas more special?

While Christmas is such a joyous time of year for many, it is also an incredibly stressful time for others. And we have the privilege to let the light of Jesus shine through us when they need it most.

As you go about your daily life—especially during this special season of celebration―I encourage you to set aside a portion of your time, energy, talents and resources to share that light and serve others. It can be as simple as wearing a smile or brightening someone else’s day with a laugh.

My husband, Dave, is probably the best example I know of someone who lets their light shine on a daily basis. He is extremely positive, and He looks for opportunities to share His joy with others.

For instance, if we’re at a restaurant and our waiter seems to be having a bad day, Dave will talk to him, encourage him and do everything he can to lighten his mood or make him smile. There have been times when I was a little embarrassed, and I’d say, “Dave, just let him be.” But, inevitably, he always manages to cheer people up!

We are all busy; we all have responsibilities and deal with those big and little things that pop up in our daily lives. But even in the midst of our own busy schedules, we can do something extraordinary: We can share the love of Christ with others and make their lives a little bit better.

Maybe this season you are the person who is going through a difficult time. You may be having relationship struggles, financial issues, or you’re feeling stressed out because you are too busy. If so, the greatest thing you can do is take some time—even if it’s just a few moments out of the day—to let Jesus, the Light of the World, strengthen you.

You can simply pray, “God, I need You today, and I know that I can’t do anything without You. Right now, by faith, I give You all of my worries, cares and problems. Please strengthen me spiritually, physically, mentally, emotionally and in every other way. I know You are greater than anything I am facing, and You will help me as I take it one day at a time with You.”

Next, I encourage you to brighten someone else’s day. When we’re feeling down or struggling with a difficulty, the enemy wants us to turn inward and shut down. However, one of the greatest things we can do in these situations is reach out and help someone else. As you do, it will not only bless their life, but it will fill your own life with joy.

After all, this is what Christmas is really all about. Just as Jesus came to love and serve all of us by giving the greatest gift—His very life—we can give of ourselves because His life and light dwells inside of us. It’s our time to shine!