And the LIGHT Keeps Shining Brightly

Day 4 of 365 days of my photo inspirations for 2015:
Tonight I was taken with the lights on many homes that are still brightly lit and shining in my children’s Texas neighborhood.  While many Christmas lights have been put away for another year, I, and many others will conclude our Christmas season on January 6th, after the 12 days of Christmas, and at the celebration of Epiphany (the manifestation of the Lord)  and the day commemorated when  the Wise Men brought their gifts to the Christ Child.

As I saw those homes tonight, I was touched by our desire to hold onto the lights a little longer — it makes for such a tender and welcoming invitation to those homes.  But, most of all, those lights continue to remind us of THE LIGHT that shines ever brightly in our hearts.

We will take down the lights from our homes, but it’s up to us to represent and be THE LIGHT to our family, our neighbors and our world.  We are “the chosen ones” to be the peacemakers, servants, joy and hope bearers to this world that needs that LIGHT so much.

Though Jesus is the ultimate, ever-ready, radiant, source of LIGHT that dispels darkness…..He told us in Matthew 5:14-16 “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a lamp, and put it under the bushel, but on the stand; and it shines to all that are in the house. Even so let YOUR light shine before men; that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.”

What if OUR LIGHTS were shining so brightly that when people pass our way, they draw toward THE LIGHT and their world of darkness is dispeled?    Let’s  BE the Light that keeps on shining — all year long!