Shining bright on the darkest days is possible.

Though we’re living in some awfully dark days right now, this is nothing new for God. He’s been shining His light into the world since time began. Fortunately, because we have the Holy Spirit living inside us, we have everything we need to shine bright on even our darkest days.

During the Christmas season, we talk a lot about ‘spreading cheer for all to hear.’ We sing songs of joy and give gifts to those in need. Yet, we can’t possibly meet everyone’s needs with a tangible present. There’s some level of pain only Jesus can alleviate. He, alone, lights up the soul-weary darkness hovering over the deepest, darkest hours. His presence offers the present needed in the here and now. When we see others drowning in the depths of darkness, John 1:5 in The Voice translation, tells us there’s ‘light that blazes through murky bottoms; it cannot and will not be quenched.’ There is hope.

How can we illuminate our dark world with God's light giving people the thrill of hope they so desperately need this Christmas? Click To TweetThe first step to shining bright is to reflect God’s own light. Much like a solar panel, we must be exposed to the Light to radiate in the dark. Absorbing God’s love and goodness through time spent in His Word fills us up to overflowing. The light we spill out diminishes the darkness giving a glimpse of what’s ahead. Isn’t it so much easier to find your way when there’s just the tiniest bit of light?

The Light of the World Shines Bright on the Darkest Days

In John 8, Jesus calls Himself, the Light of the World. I love how this passage reads in The Message Bible. The late Eugene Peterson, lead translator for The Message, wants us to see how easy it is to miss the big picture. Jesus stood right in front of the religious men of the day and they looked right past Him. They were blinded by their own self-righteousness and couldn’t see the light God sent in His Son.

You’re Missing God in All This

Jesus once again addressed them: “I am the world’s Light. No one who follows me stumbles around in the darkness. I provide plenty of light to live in.” John 8:12 MSG

Shining bright on the darkest days is easier when we follow Jesus. That’s the second step to help you shine bright in this dark world. Just keep in step with Jesus, following Him instead of the world. No one wants to stumble around in the dark and because of Jesus we don’t have to. In a world where having the most followers is the key to success, following Jesus keeps us on the brighter path.

Shining Bright for All

My favorite part of the Christmas story is when God sends an angel to appear to the shepherds in the field. I imagine, they’re just ordinary men doing the same mundane job they’ve done every day of their whole lives without much hope for the future. But, with one word from God everything changes.

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For more inspiration in your daily prayer life,  listen in to my interview with Catherine Bird about her upcoming book, The Art of Amen: A Creative Prayer Experience

For more ways to shine bright for Jesus in your calling, read my most recent blog: Confessions of a Self-Promoting Girl: How to Make Jesus More Famous

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But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ! 1 Cor 15:57

© Amy Elaine Martinez and AmyElaine.com, 2018. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner are strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Amy Elaine Martinez and AmyElaine.com with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.