For the Display of His Glory
By: Sharon L. Patterson
We went out for a walk early this morning as is our usual custom when weather permits. My husband exclaimed, “I just love Christmas time!” as he eyed a beautifully lit home to the right of us. Even in the morning light, the brightness of Christmas celebration was still glorious.
“There aren’t as many homes that celebrate Christmas in our neighborhood as there once was, are there?” I queried back. Then a realization overshadowed the slight sadness of my question. No, there are not as many houses with decorations or lights. However, it makes the ones that are ever so much more apparent.
Instead of comparing who has the “best”, our eyes searched simply for the “next”. We delighted in each one no matter how elaborate or simple. Of course, as a writer who looks for encouraging tidbits to blog about, the special moments of our walk expanded to something greater to share.
The days we are in are not easy ones. The news is dotted only on rare occasions by a story that elevates our hearts to perceive the good that is around us. We have come to expect the subjects of our public discussions to be more negative than positive. The lights offered by the world appear to be on a dimmer switch that keeps diminishing what light there is.
Then, suddenly, God makes an appearance through a selfless story reported on the news or a simple act of kindness that lights up the world. It is somewhat like the discovery on our walk this morning when we spotted the beautifully lit home. Our hearts lit up because we know the story behind the Christmas decorations and gorgeous holiday lights.
For those of us who recognize it, Jesus was and still is the light that shines brighter in our dimly lit world. God sent Him to be the Light of all mankind. Not everyone walks in His Light, but oh, what joy while on our daily journey when we spot one who does.
And it doesn’t have to be Christmas time for that to happen. It can be anytime along life’s journey. May others who walk by us daily be delighted by His light and may it cause that passerby to search for the “next” display of His glory. Best of all, may that journeyman be so affected by the Light of Jesus that he becomes that “ next” for the display of His glory.
By: Sharon L. Patterson
We went out for a walk early this morning as is our usual custom when weather permits. My husband exclaimed, “I just love Christmas time!” as he eyed a beautifully lit home to the right of us. Even in the morning light, the brightness of Christmas celebration was still glorious.
“There aren’t as many homes that celebrate Christmas in our neighborhood as there once was, are there?” I queried back. Then a realization overshadowed the slight sadness of my question. No, there are not as many houses with decorations or lights. However, it makes the ones that are ever so much more apparent.
Instead of comparing who has the “best”, our eyes searched simply for the “next”. We delighted in each one no matter how elaborate or simple. Of course, as a writer who looks for encouraging tidbits to blog about, the special moments of our walk expanded to something greater to share.
The days we are in are not easy ones. The news is dotted only on rare occasions by a story that elevates our hearts to perceive the good that is around us. We have come to expect the subjects of our public discussions to be more negative than positive. The lights offered by the world appear to be on a dimmer switch that keeps diminishing what light there is.
Then, suddenly, God makes an appearance through a selfless story reported on the news or a simple act of kindness that lights up the world. It is somewhat like the discovery on our walk this morning when we spotted the beautifully lit home. Our hearts lit up because we know the story behind the Christmas decorations and gorgeous holiday lights.
For those of us who recognize it, Jesus was and still is the light that shines brighter in our dimly lit world. God sent Him to be the Light of all mankind. Not everyone walks in His Light, but oh, what joy while on our daily journey when we spot one who does.
And it doesn’t have to be Christmas time for that to happen. It can be anytime along life’s journey. May others who walk by us daily be delighted by His light and may it cause that passerby to search for the “next” display of His glory. Best of all, may that journeyman be so affected by the Light of Jesus that he becomes that “ next” for the display of His glory.