So much to distract us this time of year, so much to turn our heads, so much that can pressure and provoke us – close quarters with family, close quarters with the mall, self imposed expectations and ideas of what we “have to do” in order to be doing Christmas properly – – –  things – – –  that can leave us stressed and plain worn out. But I’m thinking the world doesn’t need our stress – theres already plenty of it – it needs our Light.

I’m talking about all of this because I struggle with keeping my focus on things that really matter especially at Christmas – with young children and wanting to bless them and make their Christmases memorable and meaningful I can get distracted and overwhelmed and – – – well I’m not being Light to anyone then – not me, not my children, not my family or my friends.

“Let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith…consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.”(Hebrews 12:1-3)

Jesus – our Light – who came to us small but  – – – whose Light is so big it can’t be extinguished – the earths only Hope. We have His light within us and yes that makes us light in other peoples darkness and unhope and confusion  – at Christmas and at every other time of the year. Our focus on Him can be a gift to people – – – it contains hope and a chance at peace that out does logic and circumstance.

We had Carollers from our church visit the local hospital last week – they were so much a gift to the hurting and weary people there. Hearing in church about the impact their visit had on those people got me thinking all over again about keeping my focus on Him this Christmas and on sharing His beautiful light.

His light can look like different things I think – it can be arms that wrap around and comfort, words that tell someone they are not alone, humour in a tense situation, a listening ear or a plate of food. It can be slowing down and breathing deep when everyone is moving faster, it can be calm in the midst of all the busy and it can be taking the time to just sit and talk. It can be the name of Jesus sung out loud in a Christmas carol or the name of Jesus spoken into a situation in prayer and a million other little things – – –

I just want to be reflecting that light – His light – this Christmas.

 For this light within you produces only what is good and right and true Ephesians 5:9

And the children’s version

“So beam like the sun, glimmer like a star And wherever you go, dark will stop being dark”

“God Made Light” by Matthew Paul Turner

Whats happening in your world this Christmas?

Lv Tracey

Photos “The Garden Celebrates”