Light and darkness

 

My kids will do anything to avoid going down for the night. 

Often, after our nightly routine of reading, praying, singing, good nights and hugs, comes; Mummy I need to wee, mummy 

One more cuddle,

"Mummy, you did not give us water", 

"Mummy, you did not pray". 

I usually go back and to get them to sleep, do whatever it is they want, letting them know this is the last request I will honor.

So yesterday's line was. 

"I am scared" mummy, began my little girl. "Scared of what I asked?"

Ignoring my question, she carried on, it's too dark. 

"Are you scared of the dark"? 

"Yes" came the answer.

This is a room with a little light glowing in the  corner, so it isn't completely dark. This light comes on every night and stays on till the morning lights appear. Yet another stunt to avoid going down for the night. 

What should we do about the dark I asked, 

Put the light on, which light? I asked, the light is already on, I continued. 

"I want the big light" no darling, it's time to sleep... 

There's something about light that gives reassurance when it's dark, 

Light encourages happiness, hence summer months are filled with gaiety and smiles.

We avoid going through a dark alley, because we don't know what lurks in the dark. 

I don't like leaving my kids in the dark and also do not like the idea of sleeping in the dark. Whenever I am in an unfamiliar environment like hotel rooms, there has to be some form of light before I can fall asleep.

So you will understand when I say, I love the Christmas season because of the different array of lights in every major,  or minor street corner. Blue, red, yellow, green and lights of every colour adore our homes. 

Street lights are put up with so much celebration, some shopping malls go to great lengths to pay for celebrities to turn on the light. 

Halls are dressed for the occasion, with

Front pouch is singled out for out door display of sleigh, rains deer and more lights.

Light is beautiful. 

It cannot be hidden. Wherever there is light it glows, it does not matter how small the light, it always displaces darkness.

I do not know the origin of the Christmas display of lights. But I do know one who is the light of the
world. His light is not seasonal, but all year round. He takes the gloom and fills each heart with joy and glory. The stars celebrated his birth, his light drew kings to his presence. 

The heart of men was enlightened by his coming, peace was restored to a broken world. 

The best thing of all is that he lives in those who acknowledged him as Lord and saviour. And will be a light to them. He declared, ' I am the light of the world, whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life. John 8:12

So if we are light, as stated in Matthew 5:14, lets beam out for all to see. There is so much gloom and doom in our world today, man's hatred for each other depicted in grime acts of violence and terror
Causes People to run scared. 

As light, let's be the reassurance, the hope and comfort people seek,  let's shine bright for all to see, so that many will be drawn to His light. 

Jesus came to turn our darkness to light, our despair into hope. We are carriers of hope, so let's portray the light within us, let us live as people of light, igniting hope, purity and truth.

Throughout this season and always. 

 

Jesus, the Key.

Running late, I frantically looked for my car keys. I had them a few moment ago, where have I dropped them?  I muttered to myself. 

I must say, I often absent mindedly drop both my car and house keys only to end up looking for them moments before I leave the house.  

Usually, I have every other thing I need to go out, stuff for my kids, my personal and business effects, and whatever else need packing. Only to realise at the 99th minute, I don't have my keys, the most important thing which I need to get to our destination.  

Do you ever find yourself there? Running late and can't find the most important thing you need for your journey? 

It can be anything, our car keys, hand bag, an important document. 

Something you need for your everyday living.

As Christmas approaches there's the temptation to focus on everything else but the one thing which is at the centre of if all. Jesus.  

Year after year the vibe and preparation tops the previous years.  

We all run hither thither looking for something  of real worth to give our love ones, friends and family, etc. maybe just maybe they need something else, a key that unlocks all doors. Jesus. 

They are searching for something to fill a void in their lives, without knowing it. let's present Jesus to them,  the one who makes it all better, the giver of life, the hope of the hopeless, the strength for those who are weak.  

The joy of the broken hearted,  

The enabler, the redeemer of the whole world.

Stop for a minute, do you think he's worth giving as a gift to someone you love. Someone who do not currently know him? 

Maybe they do know him but are downcast, lonely, miserable and and really in need of a kind of word, a warm embrace and encouraging prayer.    

Introducing Jesus to our friends and everyone around us will help them unlock the secret to everyday living.

So even though we suffer the same trials, pain of loss of health, or a love one, we have a hope that's secured in Christ.  

One that reassures us of a better future, one that makes living right now, here on earth bearable. 

So amidst the chaotic, parade, let's invite Jesus to take centre stage in our lives because he's the reason we celebrate.  

World Without Words

Words can hurt

Words can heal

Words can create 

And they can destroy

Words can encourage

And they can be demeaning

Words can be soft or can be stern

Words can kill and can bring to life

Words can ignite hope and can diminish same

Words are powerful because we speak.

Now imagine a world without the spoken word, imagine if children do not hear hateful demanding words from peers, parents or teachers, 

Perhaps we won't have adults with diminished self esteem, depression and multiple personalities, 

Imagine if we had not told that gossip, we won't have a friend hurt by the tale of another. 

Words permeate, they dissipate and illuminate. 

On the other hand, If there were no words we will not hear encouraging, uplifting, positive and character building words. 

So a world without words would have been a world without life, vision or purpose. Because words creat vision, purpose and action. 

See proverbs 25:11: a word fitly spoken Is like apples of gold in pictures of silver?

" wow ever seen apples of gold"? 

I have seen Christmas bubbles shaped in apples of golden ornaments, they are really pretty, a word spoken at the right time is beautiful, creative and elevating, enticing and uplifting. 

Sometimes our unspoken words hurt, refusing to give an encouraging word when needed or refusing to gently scold when needed Or refusing to make a call when needed, can cause more damage than spoken words. 

Let's choose to speak words that restores hope, faith, belief, love, words of praise, encouragement and edification. 

Sift your words because it has immense power.,

So choose your words carefully but nevertheless speak. 

Ask God to bridle your tongue against sinful words, unintentional hurtful words.