Thanksgiving and Light
Written by Jane Benditt
“You are the world’s light-a city on a hill, glowing in the night for all to see. Don’t hide your light! Let it shine for all; let your good deeds flow for all to see, so that they will praise your heavenly father.”(Matthew 5:14-15)*
Psalm 92: 1-4 speaks to us about thanking God every morning, to sing His praises and to remember all that He has done for us. Out of that thankfulness, we cannot help but shine Christ’s light.
Before Jesus was about to die, He was speaking to a crowd of Greeks who were celebrating the Passover. Jesus told them that the time of judgment for this world had come and that there would be a time when Satan would be cast out. Jesus himself would be crucified and that through his death He would draw all men unto himself. The crowd did not understand and Jesus made it very clear to them in John 12:35–36a.* “My light will shine out for you just a little while longer. Walk in it while you can, and go where you want to go before the darkness falls, for then it will be too late for you to find your way. Make use of the Light while there is still time; then you will become light bearers. “*
What was Jesus saying? I believe the answer can be explained in the book of 1st John, chapter 1:5-6. “This is the message God has given to us to pass on to you: that God is Light and in him is no darkness at all. So if we say we are his friends, but go on living in spiritual darkness and sin, we are lying. But if we live in the light of God‘s presence, just as Christ does, then we have wonderful fellowship and joy with each other, and the blood of Jesus his son cleanses us from every sin. “*
So then, if we are to give thanks to God the Father for the gift of his Son Jesus Christ, our hearts will overflow and our light will be evident to all. We are a reflection of God and our actions should reflect our faith. How are we to do this in the practical world we live in? We can never be thankful enough for our family and friends who love us despite our inadequacies, to our church leaders, to our Reverend/Pastor to those who serve on committees, also those who have helped to mold and teach us God’s truth, and for each person who offers his or her time and talent for the benefit of building up the church.
Remember that love for one another expresses God‘s love and shines brightly by: not judging others, by avoiding gossip, by accepting people where they are, by helping others, by attentive listening, and by caring for each other.
During this Thanksgiving season remember to express what Jesus taught us in John 8:12… “I am the light of the world. So if you follow me you won’t be stumbling in the darkness, for living light will flood your path. “*
*All Scripture taken from TLB
The Living Bible
© 10/2022