Soul Devotional - December 8, 2014

Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven (Matthew 5:16).

A few years ago we purchased a pre-lit Christmas tree. It may have saved our marriage. Let’s just say my wife enjoys our Christmas decorations more than the rest of the household does. What would Christmas be without the beautiful lights? Traditionally lights on the tree have been used to symbolize Christ, the light of the world (John 8:12). Edward Johnson, who worked with Thomas Edison, invented the first string of electric Christmas lights, which were mass produced in 1890. People have been lighting their trees ever since.

Christ told his disciples to let their light shine before men, so others could see their good deeds and praise their Father in heaven. How can the light of Christ outshine the artificial lights of the season? Through you and me. We carry the light of Christ into every room we enter. How brightly does his light shine in you?

I often say it shouldn’t take longer than five or ten minutes for someone to realize you are a Christian. If people have known you and think you “might be a Christian” — you need to crank up the light! How can you let your light shine this holiday season?

Our light is simply the overflow of our relationship with Christ. If you have a close walk with him, others will notice his presence.

The fruit of the Holy Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness and self-control. If you are filled with the Spirit, that will be the fruit of your life and others will notice. They will know you are Christians by your love; if you love God, you will love others.

May the lights on your tree remind you that the Baby in the manger is the light of the world. I pray that you will let his light shine everywhere you go today and that the genuine light of Christmas will outshine all that are artificial. 

Gerry Michalski | Lead Pastor
Soul Sanctuary