Optional Scripture: Matthew 4:16 (theme selected text)

Isaiah 9:2

The people living in darkness
Have seen a great light,
On those living in the land of death
A light has dawned.
NIV

We are the people living in the darkness; the darkness of fear, disbelief, and distance from God that takes us into the shadows of doubt and despair. The light of Jesus can open the doors of healing and restoration.

Christmas is a door thrown open, a season like no other. Christ is the first part of the word Christmas- a syllable of joy on everyone’s tongue. Are our eyes and hearts open to the Light of Jesus? Are our hearts alive with the hope of pointing others to a Gift like none other? We must make a promise that we will be watching, listening and sharing this Light. This Christmas, keep your Light turned on.

Prayer:
Lord, I want people around me to know that I believe You are the Light of the world. I want to love You so much others can see in my life – even if they never listen to the words- that I believe that You are the “Light of the World”.

We have been born to bear witness to that Light. Each time we approach the Advent season, we become joyously occupied with celebrating what the Light has done in our lives. This is the true calling of the season. To let others see that You, Jesus, are the Light of my life- of all life.

Optional Scripture: Psalm 43:3 (theme selected text)

Acts 13:47 “For this is what the Lord has commanded us: “‘I have made you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.’”

Almost anyone who knows me knows how much I love the ministry of Operation Christmas Child. It’s such a meaningful way to follow the Lord’s commandment. As we fill each box, we are shining our lights for God and sending salvation literally to the ends of the earth.

For the past 20 years, more than 100 million children in 130 countries around the world have been introduced to God’s love through the shoebox ministry. These are children not only in need of gifts, toiletries, and school supplies, but in need of God. Children receiving shoeboxes are offered booklets in their own language about God’s greatest gift – Jesus. Like the Gentiles, they often have no knowledge of God and that he is the one true God. And they certainly know nothing about Jesus Christ.

This year, I had a chance to participate in shoebox packing parties with our youth and children. To see their faces, full of joy in their acts of giving, has made this a most special Christmas season. Our youth and children, along with the Boys and Girls Club, filled more than 60 boxes collectively! And our church family did a total of 191.

While shopping for some toys and other goodies for the children’s packing party, I overheard a young mother on the next aisle telling another woman how Operation Christmas Child has become an annual tradition for her family. Her young boys give up receiving one gift from their lists and, instead, each fills a shoebox. As a reward, they get a family popcorn, pajama and movie night. That made my day!

Thank you for your participation and support in this important life-changing, life-saving ministry. Truly our lights will shine brightly as our gifts travel to young boys and girls, and their families, in need of God’s love this year.

Optional Scripture: Isaiah 50:10 (theme selected text)

As the holiday season approaches, there is much anticipation of family and office get togethers, but there is the stress of time constraints which seems to be intensified by the shortening of daylight hours plus the “fallback” of the clocks. In the past, this negatively affected my running schedule, since it is dark by the time I get home this time of year. I would try to run in the dark, but would occasionally veer off the running path or almost get hit by bicycles. My brilliant wife had the perfect solution. She bought me a headband nightlight. I was reluctant to try it at first, but it has revolutionized my running schedule. Recently, I ran with a friend and was able to illuminate his path as well. This made me feel good to be able to share my light so we could both run safely. However, this is physical light and was useful for a brief and finite period of time. My spiritual light is more important and its benefits are much longer lasting. I was made aware of this at one of those holiday gatherings. My work group of about 50 was having our Thanksgiving potluck lunch. Not wanting to be first in line, I was still in my office when the phone rang. They were waiting and wanted me to say the blessing. I was extremely honored to be asked to shine my light in what is normally a secular setting.

Optional Scripture: Matthew 3:1-12 (lectionary text)

At this time of year, I think back to when, “The Dorcas Group” began. A Holy Spirit inspired idea came to one of our members late in the year of 2011. When she called me about it, we talked at length, both excited to start a sewing mission to help others in need. Needless to say, two years later The Dorcas ladies have touched many locally and in other countries.

We are always busy with ten to twelve ongoing projects, mostly sewn in our homes. We come together twice a month, bringing the items made for all to see. What a fun time of sharing!

Our group has been Blessed by so many, with monetary gifts, closets cleaned out and items no longer used, given to us and our sister sewing group in Rock Hill, SC have supplied most of our materials that are sewn. We have been encouraged, helped, and cheered by many, but the ladies know where their strength, courage, and insight comes from. God has used each one of us for His Glory, to share our love and talents with others in need. We thank all that have been a part of this mission that is:

Our Hearts to Seek Him and
Hands to Serve Him.

Optional Scripture: Romans 15:4-13 (lectionary text)

Most of you know that I am a Biker and a member of the Christian Motorcyclists Association (CMA). We are an organization formed to ‘Save the world one heart at a time.’ We do it through Evangelism of many kinds. The theme for this Advent season is:

Jesus said, “You are the light of the world…let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.” Mathew 14a, 16a

I spend most of my free time doing just that – letting my light shine – by being present at events where I can share the Gospel to a lost and dying world. As it says in Romans 15:9b ‘As it is written, “Therefore I will confess you among the Gentiles, and sing praises to your name.”‘ CMA has organized efforts at the large rallies like Daytona Bike Week, Myrtle Beach, Laconia and Sturges Bike Weeks. We have Store Front Ministry Centers, Tents scattered throughout the venue and individuals walking through the grounds looking for ways to minister. We also go to the local events that are put on by the Motorcycle Clubs here at home and in the neighboring towns that raise money for worthy causes.

Every spring and fall we have a Coffee Break at the Georgia Welcome Center at Exit 1 on I-95 North during the weekend that the Daytona Rallies are over. As the Bikers are going home from the rally, we are there to meet their needs as they stop at the rest area. We have a trailer and a tent to give out coffee, donuts, water, hot dogs, Bibles, tracts & smiles. We greet them as they park and invite them to our tent for refreshment. They ask how much it costs and we tell them ‘it is free like salvation!’

One day while working the stop, a man stopped by just for a bottle of water. After talking to him I gave a Bible to him before he headed away to his home in New York State. A couple of years later, he stopped back to tell me that he had gone back home and had some troubles catch up with him. He remembered the Bible and started reading it. He called the number on the back to our CMA National headquarters in Hatfield, Arkansas, and talked to one of the staff there. He was lead to the Lord and accepted Jesus as his Savior! He told me, “Don’t ever stop what you do!” That makes the effort I put forth worthwhile! Hallelujah!

Remember that you can witness as you go and people will be saved!

Romans15:13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Optional Scripture: Psalm 72:1-7, 18-19 (lectionary text)

“You are the light of the world…let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.” Mathew 14a, 16a

There is a popular modern Christian song that says if we are not the light of the world who will be? By saying “we”, it is talking about Christians. Being the light does not just mean doing good for others. Anybody can do good works. But, the light is in us. It is the Holy Spirit that we received when we repented to God. So, we are the only ones that can let our light shine before men. We show our light by our works, our conversation, and our demeanor. Showing Gods love is a continuous action from the moment that we accept him into our hearts. It can’t be like a light switch in the sense that we can turn it on or off. Showing God’s love is our duty as Christians so that the whole world will see us, wonder what is different about us, and hope/pray that they can receive the same light.

It is my prayer that we truly shine God’s light in this holiday season and in our lives so that everyone can experience the joy that we have in Jesus.

Optional Scripture: Isaiah 11:1-10 (lectionary text)

These verses from Isaiah begin by comparing the new king to a new tree sprouting from a stump, new life from what had been cut down and left for dead.

The next few verses describe what this new king will be like, what he will do, how he will rule. He will be Different. “He will not judge by appearance or hearsay; he will judge the poor fairly and defend the rights of the helpless”…Very Different!

Finally, his kingdom is described…talk about Different : wolves and sheep, lions and calves, poisonous snakes and babies, all living together in peace. How can this be? Remember the parables of Jesus which begin “The Kingdom of God is like…”? It is God’s Peace, His Kingdom. But it’s not something we wait for only in the sweet-bye-and-bye; it can be here, now, within each of us.

I have been on many mission trips over the years. All of them have involved people Doing Different, Being Different, catching glimpses of the Peace of God, the Kingdom of God. I remember one time our youth went to West Palm Beach. We were in a rough neighborhood littered with drug paraphernalia and debris. Our task was to clean the yard and sidewalk around an elderly lady’s house. People threw trash in her yard and she felt helpless. We picked up, mowed, pruned, and even uncovered remnants of flowerbeds she used to be able to care for. We spent time visiting with her and sharing why we were there.

Before we left, we were approached by the man who ran a tiny grocery store across the street. He was so impressed by what our group had done, he offered cool drinks and snacks. Then some of our youth asked him if he would join us in prayer. So there in the middle of the street was the grocer, the elderly lady, several neighbors, and us, holding hands in a big circle and praying for each other and the neighborhood! Do you think God’s Peace, God’s Kingdom, was present? …I Do.

Optional Scripture: John 8:12 (theme selected text)

John 8:12 “When Jesus spoke again to the people, He said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in the darkness, but will have the light of life.”

We live in a world with light at our fingertips. All we have to do is flip a switch. Jesus is talking about a different kind of light. Out world is filled with the darkness of the soul. People are walking around with hopelessness in their hearts. We have so many material things that people can cover up their inner darkness, unaware that material things do not satisfy the heart’s longings.

II Cor. 4:4 “The God of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is in the image of God.” The natural man is unable to receive spiritual light because he lacks the capacity for spiritual things. Only a spiritual birth changes that capacity. Jesus Christ is the illuminator of men’s hearts.

We as believers have a responsibility to share the light of Jesus with those who are in a spiritual darkness. We are given opportunities every day to shed light on darkness. We are given a promise by Jesus that as we follow Him, we will not walk in darkness. Do others see that light in our lives as we speak it and live it? Do people notice that we have been with Jesus? Are we listening to the Spirit of God when we are given an opportunity to share God’s love?

Eph. 2:10 “For we are God’s workmanship created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” May we use this special time of the year to spread the light of God’s love.

Optional Scripture: Psalm 18:28 (theme selected text)

When Sara Lynn Milton “invited” me to help with the Mission House, because they needed someone younger, I was flattered. (Younger was definitely a relative term!) And who can say NO to Sara Lynn. I had no idea how this ministry would bless me. As a hostess, I checked on the house before and after guests and provided a special treat for each arrival. The small house with a BIG HEART began to touch me in special ways. Then Sara Lynn “turned over the chair” of the Mission House to Betty Shell and me. By collaborating through issues, I have a new and treasured friend. Doing reservations, I have “met” some incredible people who share or have shared their lives around the globe spreading the love of Christ. Some are in such dangerous situations that the messages back and forth must be carefully worded so as the word Missions or Missionaries doesn’t appear. Couples with young children come for a vacation – one they would not be able to afford otherwise. Retired missionaries who have spent 30+ years on the mission field revisit the house for renewal. Chaplains come after deployment. I am often asked how many the house can sleep. I just give them the sleeping arrangements and let them decide. You would be amazed at how many “fit” sometimes. Couples come to celebrate anniversaries, birthdays, reunions, and I could go on and on.

The House is small and old, but inviting, comfortable and warm, and a place where the guests can exhale and relax as soon as they open the door. God has revealed Himself to me in many ways through this ministry, and I thank Him for allowing me to be a part of this ministry; serving those who serve Him.

Side note: The Mission House was reserved for 240 days in 2013 and there are already about 10 reservations for 2014 with others pending!

Optional Scripture: Ephesians 5:8

As a child, we’re taught a song that you probably know very well, This Little Light of Mine. If you ask a child, they can five you a very clear interpretation of what the song means. However, the song is often overlooked when teaching a more mature audience about being the light of Christ for people in need.

According to the song, as Children of God, we all have a light. Believe it or not, everyone may not be completely aware of their light, or maybe their light is too dim for them to see. By letting your light shine, you can help someone else allow their to shine. Let your light shine.