Lights All Around

Lights have been on my mind this week. Everywhere I look, I see Christmas lights. I have been enjoying the coziness of candlelight during the dark winter evenings.  In church, we talk about Jesus being the Light of the World. And in Matthew, I read that WE are the light of the world (Matthew 5:14). 

So this week as I looked at my Christmas lights, I thought of our Abide group. As an individual bulb, I can shine a bit, but my light is limited. However, with other bulbs shining around me I feel so much stronger, bolder, more useful…AND, with (you!) other bulbs, my world is not as dark! 

Our individual lights are important, but let’s not forget the amount of power that’s available to us if we are united in Jesus as one bright light!  John 17 is Jesus’ prayer to His Father before he dies. In it He asks for unity among believers… “May they be brought to complete unity TO LET THE WORLD KNOW that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.” 

Friends, our witness of Jesus being REAL is so much stronger when we are shining together! United, we are better able to let the world know of God’s amazing love. This is why I love our Abide group so much. As we gather each month, I find strength in knowing that I’m not shining alone. I feel inspired as I hear about a friend being used in her neighborhood. Knowing I have an army of Jesus light bulbs shining with me, I feel bolder as I offer to pray for a hurting teacher. I feel peace and comfort as I share my challenges with fellow believers who know the true power of prayer. 

This Christmas, I am thankful for The LIGHT, Jesus, who has brought us light bulbs together to shine a little brighter for Him in our community. Let’s keep coming together to encourage each other in abiding in Christ and being used by Him. 

Our next Gathering will be Friday, January 4 at 6:30pm. Yay! I have something else to look forward to after Christmas is done.  :)   If you haven’t been able to join us for a Gathering yet, I encourage you to come! Our goal is to make each Gathering easy for new friends to join us. Can’t wait to start 2019 with you all!