As we draw near to this season of lights - Hanukkah and Christmas, I am struck by the wonder of God in so many different ways. As the hours of daylight get shorter and shorter, we seem to be drawn to the light, drawn to the warmth the light of the sun (son) provides. Our bodies need the light. So does our culture.
The light is piercing through the darkness at a rapid pace. While the news is heartbreaking, gut wrenching and even disgusting, I continue to remind myself that Scripture tells us our battle is not with flesh and blood but with rulers and principalities in the unseen realm. Prophetic voices were declaring over a year ago that Jezebel's hold over our nation would be removed. If we look at all that she introduced to God's chosen people we can clearly see in all that has come into the light in the last couple of years, the unraveling of her stronghold over this nation and the heart of its' people. The LORD's light has broken through.
We often talk in our home of how in biblical times the men were seated at the city gates - their duties were civic minded, for the governing and protection of their territory and cities, while the women were managing and directing households and businesses - caring for the needs of the people. The two had to work well together for the city to thrive. Somewhere along the way, we've lost sight of this truth. Yet now, it seems the LORD is shining His light on it once again. Let's rise up and take notice. When we align ourselves with Him, His light is the lamp unto our feet and the light unto our path.
May we renew our strength to fearlessly make our voices heard - kindly, gently, lovingly filled with mercy. May we enter the new year with renewed determination to raise our children up in the way they should go so that when they are old they will not depart from it. Teach our daughters to value and respect themselves thereby impacting how they dress, how they behave and how they can stand their ground should they find themselves in an uncomfortable position. Teach our sons to value and respect themselves and how to honor women. Together, this will have a far reaching effect in changing the mindsets of our nation and letting God once again be the stronghold over this nation.
Take time this season to reflect on the virtues God holds dear, renew your relationship Him. Embrace the light that is shining with royal beauty bright. Before sitting down to write this, The Point of Grace song, Let there be light was playing in my head. Meditate on the words of this song. We are called to re-present Jesus, we are called to make His Name known. We are called to be as Jesus - the light of the world.
LET THERE BE LIGHT
Star of wonder, star of might Star with royal beauty bright Westward leading, still proceeding Guide us to thy perfect light
From the beginning the Father Had a magnificent plan Revealed through the law and the prophets To fulfill the redemption of man
You spoke after centuries of silence In the midst of a still, starry night And Emmanuel came down among us And the Father said, 'Let there be light'
Let there be light, let it shine bright Piercing the darkness with dazzling white Hope for the hopeless was born on that night When God sent His Son and said, 'Let there be light' Let there be light
People who walked in great darkness Gathered from near and afar Shepherds with flocks in their keeping Three kings who follow a star
Together the poor and the richest Witness that Bethlehem night And the sky full of Angels announcing The birth of a glorious light
Let there be light, let it shine bright Piercing the darkness with dazzling white Hope for the hopeless was born on that night When God sent His Son and said, 'Let there be light' Let there be light
We who are His have this calling To praise Him and make His name known So one day the presence of Jesus Shines in every heart and every home (Shines in our home) (Star of wonder, star of beauty bright)
Let there be light, let it shine bright Piercing the darkness with dazzling white Hope for the hopeless was born on that night When God sent His Son and said, 'Let there be light' Let there be light
Let there be light, let it shine bright Piercing the darkness with dazzling white Hope for the hopeless was born on that night When God sent His Son and said, 'Let there be light' Let there be light
Written by Marie Reynolds, Scott Krippayne
Copyright © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC,
Universal Music Publishing Group, Capitol Christian Music Group