Focus

Stop and thank God for being present with you today. Ask for God’s guidance as you hear God’s voice through scripture and the writer.

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Read

John 1:1-9 (NRSV)

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being. What has come into being in him was life, and the life was the light of all people. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it.

There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. He came as a witness to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him. He himself was not the light, but he came to testify to the light. The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world.

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Reflect

Remember the song “This Little Light of Mine”? It was a favorite of my nieces and nephews when they were young. They learned the words and motions to the song and could not wait to share it with family and friends. This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine! This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine! This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine! Let it shine, let it shine let it shine! Hide it under a bushel? No! I’m gonna let it shine! Hide it under a bushel? No! I’m gonna let it shine! Hide it under a bushel? No! I’m gonna let it shine! Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine!

This children’s song teaches us that, like John, we are to reflect the light of Jesus in whatever we do. John came to show the light, but not be the light. He knew what he was supposed to do—prepare the way for Jesus. Show the light of Jesus to the world so the world would know Jesus was coming. John’s job could not have been easy. Some people actually thought he was the Messiah. John dedicated his entire life to preparing the world for the ministry of Jesus Christ. Our job is similar—show the light of Jesus to the world so that others can come to know him, too. We need to let our lights shine and let others know that our light is Jesus.

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Pray

Almighty God, we love you so much! Keep our lights bright and reflective of the love of Christ so that others can come to know Jesus as Lord and Savior, too. In the precious name of Jesus we pray. Amen.

Go with God.