Do You Sparkle or Shine?

Do You Sparkle or Shine?

 Be the Light

Jesus says I am the light of the world; whoever follows me will have the light of life and will never walk in darkness. John 8:12 NIV

Merry Christmas, my Friend!

I pray this finds you well and that you anticipate all the wonders of Christmas. In my world, Christmas falls in the midst of six other December birthdays in my family, including mine! 

So, in honor of my birthday today and Christmas, I am sending some of two my favorite graphics at the bottom. Download them and they can be used as the wallpaper on your phone! Thank you so much for your support and encouragement this year. You have many different emails you can read, and I’m honored that you take time for mine!

Now, Do you Sparkle or Shine?

Lights! I love the lights at Christmas. They remind me of the coming celebration of the Savior King.  But did you ever notice that some lights sparkle and some shine? Shining lights are steady radiating beams.  Meanwhile, sparkling, glistening ones usually imply irregular or interrupted flashes. 

For example, we may say the stars shine and sparkle. But we never say the sun or the moon sparkles. Those are always steady shining lights. Regardless of the type, all lights dispel darkness when they are on.

Jesus was the light of the world, the ultimate light. He encouraged us to be light so we can shine His love in the lives of others. As His followers, we are called to reflect His light in the world around us.

What kind of light do you reflect?

 A sparkling light is an irregular flash of light. Therefore, if you sparkle, you might have times when God is not reflected through you. It could be because of a struggle, hurt, fatigue, doubt, or even busyness. However, sparkling lights still dispel darkness and create beauty.

On the other hand, a shining light is consistent in its glow. It may be dimmer sometimes, but the light never flickers despite challenges, insecurities, and busyness.

Paul reminds us in His letter to the Ephesians: For at one time, you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light. (Ephesians 5:8 NIV). To walk as a child of the light means living in a way that reflects the character of God.   Jesus told us in the Sermon on the Mount, “In the same way, let your light shine before others so that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:15 NIV

The good deeds He refers to are those actions that demonstrate love and acceptance.  God said to love Him and others. When we do this to the best of our abilities, we shine. But, sometimes, the stresses of life may cause us to sparkle instead of shine. Here are four actions to help you shine brighter in a dark world; they spell out STAR.

• Seeking Him First: “Seek first the Kingdom of God” (Matthew 6:33a NIV).
• Trusting Him Completely: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart” (Proverbs 3:5a NIV).
• Aligning Our Hearts with His: “Whatever is true, noble, and lovely, think on these things” (Philippians 4:8 para).
• Rely on His Word: “Your Word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105 NIV)

Whether you sparkle or shine, be the light of Jesus, bright like a STAR.

Dear Lord,

Thank You for the gift of Jesus, the Light of the World. Help us reflect His light in our lives, whether in steady shining or brief moments of sparkle. Strengthen us to seek You first, trust You fully, and love others as You have called us. May our actions glorify You and point others to Your hope and peace. Guide us by Your Word and help us shine like stars in the darkness for Your glory. Amen.

If you would like to read another devotion of mine. I was featured in the Upper Room  yesterday, December 18th. check it out!

Thank you for your support! Merry Christmas!

Love and Blessings!

Peg