Light of the World

 

And God said, "Let there be light," and there was light.  God saw that the light was good, and he separated the light from the darkness. ~Genesis 1:3-4

I believe in Christianity as I believe that the sun has risen; not only because I see it, but by it I see everything else. ~C. S. Lewis

Do you choose a word for the year, or does the word choose you?  I'm an avid believer in the latter.  My first whisper of inspiration comes from this exchange between long-time friend and fellow blogger, Jean Wise, and myself in the comment section of my post Shine the Light.

Jean:  I have been pondering the light this Christmas season.  Light/dark.  God's light even in dark.  Christ's light in our hearts.  Lighting our way.

Me:  That's such a beautiful gem to be focused on in this season of light, Jean.  When I read your words here, I got the first inkling of God's nudge toward my word for 2026 - could it be "light"?  Wow, my friend, I can't thank you enough!  Earlier today when I was wondering how the Lord would let me know what He wants me to choose for my word, I felt a sudden overwhelm of peace as if He was whispering that all will be revealed soon.  Wow, wow and wow!  I could never imagine that the "light" would shine so soon.

Still, this one conversation isn't enough to convince me that "Light" is my word for 2026.  I give it grace (last year's word) to dwell in my heart and mind as a potential candidate for such a prestigious role.  I'm allowing time and space to either confirm this choice point me in another direction.

The start of the new year finds me reading the Bible from beginning to end once more, and embracing a new (to me) devotional book, My Utmost for His Highest, by Oswald Chambers.  Obviously, the above scripture from Genesis leaps out at me as God both creates the light and declares it "good."  Then, the January 3rd entry of Chambers' devotions contains this statement:  The only possible way to have full understanding of the teachings of Jesus is through the light of the Spirit of God shining inside us.  Further confirmation, to be sure.

But it is on the following Sunday that Pastor Jared's sermon seals the deal.  To paraphrase, he is speaking about how Christ's light empowers us to change, making visible all those things we would rather not see about ourselves.  Jared urges us to not be content to hide in the shadows.  If we allow the light of Jesus to shine on us, in us and through us, He will renew us and inspire us as He pulls us out of the darkness into the dawn of a brand-new day.

I'm thrilled for this affirmation and actively anticipating the myriad was that "Light" will bless me in the coming year.  And with God's help, I pray that I will bless others as we celebrate Jesus, the Light of the World, together.

Amen!