The moon on the breast of the new fallen snow,
Gave the lustre of mid-day to objects below;
Oh, I love this so much!
In this part of the poem, Mr. Moore is describing the phenomenon of a dark night which seems much brighter because the moon is reflecting the light of the sun and bouncing off the snow-covered yard.
This is a perfect analogy for us to think about as Christians in the world.
It is indeed a dark, cold, and callous world we live in. The enemy reigns in this place in so many ways. But..believers are filled with the bright light of Jesus, the “son”, reflecting his love and glory everywhere we go, bringing light into a dark world!
The illuminating light we shine into the darkness chases the dark away, which cannot overcome it.
John 1:5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome[a] it.
When Jesus was born, the shepherds tending their flocks were surrounded by the glory of the Lord which “shone” around them. The Lord’s glory shines and cannot be contained!
The Magi were led by the light of a star to the place where Jesus was born, to worship him and present him with treasures of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. A light in the sky led them to the light of the world!
John 8:12 When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”
Christmas is when we have a chance to be intentional, slow down, say “no” to all the demands that don’t focus on Jesus, and consider the day his light entered our realm, like when morning has broken and tiny golden streams fall over snow-covered hilltops and chase the darkness away.
Thank you, Lord, for being willing to come into this dark world in the vulnerable skin of a human, to take on flesh that can be so easily bruised, to save us from the wrath we so rightly deserve. To send away the darkness permanently, so your bright light and warmth can fill our hearts forevermore in Christ Jesus, and we can shine forth your light to others, and they too can be filled with your love and light, and the chain can go on unbroken until you return. Amen!
SURPRISE PRESENT
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This coloring page can be your copywork for the day! Maybe the kids would like to have a good natured coloring contest? The baby of the family can be the judge!?
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Activity: Tonight when it is dark, give each child a candle and as you light it have them give a reason they are grateful Jesus is the light of the world. When all candles are lit, say a prayer for the family or sing: The light of the world is Jesus
Have a light of Christmas dance party with TobyMac!!