The True Light of Christmas
by Dr. Paul Chappell
“The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?”
Psalm 27:1
The lights on a Christmas tree or the ones hanging from the outside of your house are not the true lights of Christmas. In the Christmas story, the wise men found the true light. They were not seeking to worship the star, the angels, or even Mary; they were seeking Jesus Christ.
When Jesus Christ ascended to Heaven, His light remained on earth. Psalm 119:105 says, “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” Second Peter 1:19 says, “We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts:”
Time does not change principles. We still have the true light of Christmas. In the past, the light came in swaddling clothes; today the light comes through the Bible. The Bible is a living book. Its truths are just as relevant and needful today as they were a thousand years ago.
When we read the Bible, the light of the Bible begins its unique work—removing the darkness in our lives. After reading a portion of Scripture we may think Wow! I really needed that, or I never saw that truth before. Or, we may suddenly close the Bible because it hit a painful area in our lives, or because it convicted our “stubborn” minds.
When you sit down to read the Bible, are you willing to change your mind every time the Lord convicts your heart? Are you willing to let the light of Jesus Christ shine through you even if that means changing your thoughts, your preferences, or your convictions? When we are not willing to change our minds it is as if we are saying, “Lord, in that area of conviction, I choose darkness.”
May we never succumb to the point of choosing darkness. The living Word may convict your heart about a small matter. Even in this instance, choose light—choose a change of mind—for Jesus said, “for he that walketh in darkness knoweth not whither he goeth” (John 12:35).
If you have ever wanted a one-on-one conversation with God, here is your chance. Sit down and read His Word. He wants to speak to you! His Word is alive and ready to change your life. The wise men traveled from afar to seek the light of Christmas. Are you willing to travel to the Bible on your shelf to seek the true light of Christmas?
by Dr. Paul Chappell
“The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?”
Psalm 27:1
The lights on a Christmas tree or the ones hanging from the outside of your house are not the true lights of Christmas. In the Christmas story, the wise men found the true light. They were not seeking to worship the star, the angels, or even Mary; they were seeking Jesus Christ.
When Jesus Christ ascended to Heaven, His light remained on earth. Psalm 119:105 says, “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” Second Peter 1:19 says, “We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts:”
Time does not change principles. We still have the true light of Christmas. In the past, the light came in swaddling clothes; today the light comes through the Bible. The Bible is a living book. Its truths are just as relevant and needful today as they were a thousand years ago.
When we read the Bible, the light of the Bible begins its unique work—removing the darkness in our lives. After reading a portion of Scripture we may think Wow! I really needed that, or I never saw that truth before. Or, we may suddenly close the Bible because it hit a painful area in our lives, or because it convicted our “stubborn” minds.
When you sit down to read the Bible, are you willing to change your mind every time the Lord convicts your heart? Are you willing to let the light of Jesus Christ shine through you even if that means changing your thoughts, your preferences, or your convictions? When we are not willing to change our minds it is as if we are saying, “Lord, in that area of conviction, I choose darkness.”
May we never succumb to the point of choosing darkness. The living Word may convict your heart about a small matter. Even in this instance, choose light—choose a change of mind—for Jesus said, “for he that walketh in darkness knoweth not whither he goeth” (John 12:35).
If you have ever wanted a one-on-one conversation with God, here is your chance. Sit down and read His Word. He wants to speak to you! His Word is alive and ready to change your life. The wise men traveled from afar to seek the light of Christmas. Are you willing to travel to the Bible on your shelf to seek the true light of Christmas?
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14 comments:
This is a beautiful, thoughtful post, Deby. Thank you - I needed the reminders. <><
I'm sorry you're not able to fly down for our stitching evening. hmm. I would have made you tea and given you a comfy spot to rest. ;o)
Bless you this day ...
p.s. i hope it's all right with you - i'd like to add you to my sweet sites list.
A beautiful devotional, Deby. I could not help but think of what Jesus said ~ Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill
cannot be hid.
-- Matthew 5:14
And also Matthew 5:16 about letting your light so shine. Thank God for His Word and for His gift, Jesus, the light shining in the darkness.
Amen! That is all I have to say!
I love these devotional by daily in the word, thanks for turning me on to them!!
Love ya,
Lisa
Greetings! :-)
I just had to say hello as I've found that several blogs I've stumbled onto - you've often left comments in the same places!!
I really enjoy the blog "Living By Grace" by a preachers wife, and I've seen you comment there first and now I've seen your comments in other like-minded blogs, so I decided to check your out as well!
It's lovely!
And also - if you are in the Puget Sound area... one place I've always wanted to travel to is Seattle. My hubby and I plan to take a vacation there someday (Lord willing), but I just thought that was neat.
Well, have a blessed week...
~Katie
I love the fact that The Holy Spirit "speaks" to us all the time. Our trouble is we don't always listen and that we call him a hunch or a feeling or a coinsident when it is the Living God talking to us.
Susan
Perfect way to Light the holidays! I love this and I am going to follow the link. This is a wonderful post:)
Jennifer
Well I had not intended to make anyone cry. Still I am goad you had a bit of nostalgia and enjoyed the pics. How fortunate to have lived and worked in the Cotswolds.
That's a beautiful devotional, Deby. Andy yes, I'd be very happy for you to link to my post today.
Blessings,
Lallee
Sorry I've not been by much lately. Things are so hectic. I love this post. Good one Sis!!
Amen and Amen again. Great post.
I am not sure that the Lord gives us more light until we use the light He shows us. I love the Bible becauses I know it is God's very WORDS to me. connie from Texas
Beautifully said! Thanks for sharing this devotional! I don't think we can have enough reminders in this busy world!
Christmas Blessings,
KJ
Love that Paul Chappell We were able to hear him a while back at the Sword Conference in Walkertown, NC.
~Kristi
All I know is He has changed me a lot and wouldn't you know it...He's still working on me a lot!
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