Liz’s Morning Devotional: Scripture selected from Upper Room
December 23, 2022
Read Genesis 1:1-5
1 When God began to create the heavens and the earth 2 the earth was without shape or form, it was dark over the deep sea, and God’s wind swept over the waters 3 God said, “Let there be light.” And so light appeared. 4 God saw how good the light was. God separated the light from the darkness. 5 God named the light Day and the darkness Night. There was evening and there was morning: the first day.
Good Morning, The light sustains and nurtures us.
December 21 marks the winter solstice which is the shortest day of daylight each year. Even though we tend to think that winter starts whenever the temperatures drop and remain in that “cold” zone, it actually is scientifically determined. Winter is an interesting season on our calendar. It is a time of increased darkness, colder temperatures, hibernation, and dormancy.
The absence of light is difficult for many of us. Even cloudy days can cause our energy and mental state to flounder. We long for the light and the good feelings that follow. I’ve noticed that even on the coldest days I feel good as long as the sun is brightly shining.
John describes our spiritual life in terms of darkness and light. Those with God are in the light; while darkness represents an absence of God. Even during our most challenging days, our faith will sustain us and we will see the light which will lead us through our difficulties. God sent Jesus to light the way for us, his children, to follow. When Jesus again spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” John 8:12 Those who live without Christ as the center of their life will not fully see the beauty and opportunity that surrounds them. Just like those cloudy winter days, the world will appear dingy and hopeless. The light provides the spark of hope that leads us to glory.
Later in John's writings, he records Jesus’ words in 14:5-7: 5“Lord,” said Thomas, “we do not know where You are going, so how can we know the way?” 6 Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me. 7 If you had known Me, you would know My Father as well. From now on you do know Him and have seen Him.”…
God declared the light was good and separated it from the darkness. Jesus came to be the light of our salvation. Hallelujah!
Gracious God, Thank You for loving us. On our darkest days, help us to focus on the light of Jesus so that we may be sustained. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen
Thought for the day: For those who wait on the Lord, the light of God will shine brightly.
Let the light of Jesus shine through you! Pastor Liz