Ever had a week when you needed to reflect on what happened? Did you focus on one particular area or were you able to look wholistically and see both the light and the darkness in life? Were you able to take a pause and focus on God and your relationship with Him? How about inviting Him in to shine His light so bright that the darkness has to flee as you acknowledge and confess it to Him in order to align with His will and move forward towards His truth and righteousness? When you finished, were you inspired to gratitude for His provision and faithfulness as seen through the changing seasons and the promises of renewal and growth that comes with each cycle?
Jesus: The Light of the World
In the Bible, light and darkness are powerful symbols used to convey deep spiritual truths. In John 8:12, Jesus declares, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life.” Here, Jesus presents himself as the ultimate source of light, offering guidance, truth, and salvation to all who believe in him. This verse reminds us that in a world filled with darkness and sin, Jesus shines brightly as our beacon of hope and redemption.
Living as Children of Light
Additionally, Ephesians 5:8 exhorts believers, “For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light.” This passage highlights the transformative power of Christ in our lives. Before encountering Jesus, we were engulfed in spiritual darkness, but through faith in Him, we are brought into His marvelous light. As children of light, we are called to live in accordance with God’s truth and righteousness, illuminating the world around us with His love and grace.
Reflecting Christ’s Light in a Darkened World
Reflecting on the contrast between light and darkness prompts us to examine our own hearts and lives. Are there areas of darkness or sin that we need to bring into the light of God’s truth and forgiveness? Are we actively shining the light of Christ in our relationships, communities, and spheres of influence? As we meditate on these questions, let us invite the Holy Spirit to reveal any hidden darkness within us and empower us to walk in the light of Christ. Through prayer, repentance, and obedience to God’s Word, we can experience the transformative power of His light in our lives and become beacons of hope in a world desperately in need of His illumination.
Today’s Devotional:
This year, I am utilizing the 365 Daily Devotions book I received for Christmas, applying its teachings specifically in the context of fatherhood. It’s called WALKING WITH GOD by DAVID JEREMIAH. It’s exciting to learn from a new resource this year as we have tried different options the past two years and will keep working through this for 2024. For more information about the author and his ministry, visit DavidJeremiah.org.
SPIRITUAL SOLSTICE
Verse: Psalms 63:6 (NIV)
On my bed I remember you; I think of you through the watches of the night.
Today’s Devotional kicks off speaking of the light and darkness associated with winter solstice.
The winter solstice is a significant astronomical event that marks the shortest day and longest night of the year. Here are some key points about the winter solstice:
- Definition:
- The winter solstice occurs when the path of the sun in the sky is farthest south.
- It usually happens on December 21 or 22 in the Northern Hemisphere.
- In the Southern Hemisphere, the shortest day of the year occurs in June.
- Astronomical Significance:
- On the winter solstice, the sun travels the shortest path through the sky, resulting in the day with the least amount of daylight.
- After the winter solstice, days start becoming longer, and nights shorter as spring approaches.
- Day Length and Temperature:
- Although daylight hours increase during the winter months, temperatures continue to fall in most regions.
- This is because it takes time for Earth, particularly its oceans, to change temperature—an effect known as seasonal lag.
- Places closer to the poles experience larger differences in day length throughout the year, so winter days are shorter there.
- Winter Traditions and Folklore:
- The start of winter and the winter solstice are celebrated in cultures and religions around the world with various traditions, holidays, and festivals.
Remember, while the winter solstice is the shortest day, it also marks the turning point when days gradually lengthen, bringing the promise of warmer days ahead! 🌞🌬️
chat.bing.com – Copilot answers “what is winter solstice?”
Reflecting on the light and the darkness
Today’s Devotional turns towards what a spiritual winter solstice means or could look like. It shares how “we long for a winter solstice type of moment in our lives when we are going through times of trouble.” A time when we see “more light than darkness”. Times when we see less discouragement and more joy. Today’s Devotional shares how in the times of darkness, we should use that time to “meditate and reflect on the unchanging character and nature of God.” We need to remember how “darkness may affect how we see Him, it doesn’t change Him.” Consider the words of David from today’s verse that says “On my bed I remember you; I think of you through the watches of the night.”
Today’s Devotional closes with this recommendation:
“Ask God to walk with you through the stages of your dark night. Remember who He is and what He has done for you.”
“Over every mountain there is a path, although it may not be seen from the valley.”
THEODORE ROETHKE
