Tag Archives: Light of the World

The Light of the World

Posted on by yolandaberry
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Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life. John 8:12

We cannot deny the world is exceedingly grossly dark but as the world grows darker, the light of God shines and grows brighter. Wherever the light exists, darkness is dispelled. For where the light shines, it illuminates and radiates in darkness. It’s impossible to shine a flashlight or light a candle and still be in darkness. For wherever the light goes, there is an illuminated pathway.

The world is deceived and cannot see the truth. As the world celebrates wickedness, we will walk as beacons of light. Have you noticed the movie “Wicked” is being promoted during the Christmas season like it’s a magical Christmas movie? Even the music sounds like a Christmas musical theme with the glitter floating across the screen. The world has shifted and we must remain alert and call out darkness.

 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. 18 Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son. 19 This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. 20 Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that their deeds will be exposed. 21 But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what they have done has been done in the sight of God. John 3:16-21

As we celebrate Christmas this season, let us hold unto the glory of our resurrected King. Do not live in despair and grief in times of sorrow. One touch of God shifts the atmosphere. Holy is His name. He is the righteous judge. He is the waymaker. He is your healer and strength in times of sickness. He is your provider and restorer. He is the One true God who is and who is to come. He is your source of protection. He is the guiding light and your direction. The Holy One of Israel, we lift you up in adoration and praise! Adonai, glory is your name!

The children of God take on every character and quality of the Father. We shall walk in authority and power. We shall do great exploits in the power of His name. There will be miracles, signs and wonders.

 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Matt 5:14

If you are in a dark place this Christmas, may the Holy Spirit comfort you and may the Spirit of God release you from sorrow, grief, loss and despair. Jesus catches every teardrop. He will lift the burden of heaviness and chains of bondage.

To be transparent as I write this post, I just shed a few tears as I typed these words. The spiritual warfare is thick and the weight of this world is heavy, but God will elevate and raise you up in the midst of the darkness you face. Trust in God and the power of His might.

 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6

Emmanuel, God with us.

Related Bible Verses

I have come as a light into the world, that whoever believes in Me should not abide in darkness. And if anyone hears My words and does not believe, I do not judge him; for I did not come to judge the world but to save the world. He who rejrects Me, and does not receive My words, has that which judges him – the word that I have spoken will judge him in the last day. For I have not spoken on My own authority; but the Father who sent Me gave Me a command, what I should say and what I should speak. And I know that His command is everlasting life. Therefore, whatever I speak, just as the Father has told Me, so I speak. John 12:46:50

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Phil 4:16

Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. John 14:1

These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world, you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world. John 16:33

Most assuredly, I say to you that you will weep and lament, but the world will rejoice; and you will be sorrowful, but your sorrow will be turned into joy. A woman, when she is in labor, has sorrow because her hour has come; but as soon as she given birth to the child, she no longer remembers the anguish, for joy that a human being has been born into the world. John 16:20-21

 And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not. John 1:5

Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee. Isaiah 60:1

Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. Matt 5:6

As long as it is day, we must do the works of him who sent me. Night is coming, when no one can work. John 9:4

But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you. Peace I leave with you My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubles, neither let it be afraid. John 14:26-27

In the Christmas Spirit: A Celebration of Love

Posted on by yolandaberry
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“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace” Isaiah 9:6

What does it mean to be in the Christmas spirit? I often think of a child-like wonder and awe of the anticipation and curiosity of unwrapping Christmas gifts. It’s the warm feeling of giving to others and the special moments of sharing love, laughter and joy.

Although we do not know the exact date that Jesus was born, some Christians do not desire to celebrate Christmas anymore. It’s considered a pagan holiday with the rise of commercialism and consumerism with the representation of Christmas trees, snowman, reindeers and Santa Claus instead of honoring the true meaning of the birth of Jesus.

The pagan Santa Claus is even being sexualized as a sex symbol as they re-invent the image of Santa and transform him into the Hot New Target Santa.

Christ is also being taken out of the word “Christmas” or being replaced by Happy Holidays. Unfortunately, there is controversy around the whole celebration of Christmas.

As the world grows darker, I feel it’s important to keep this tradition alive even though we do not know the real date that Jesus was born. If you notice, Halloween extends from late August to October. The new acclaimed featured movie “Wicked” opened during the Thanksgiving holiday season which has introduced witchcraft and sorcery into the masses as they flock to the theatres. It grossed $114 million nationally and fifty million internationally totaling $164 million in revenue.

This attraction will also extend into the Christmas season as little girls dream of the “Wicked” dolls under the Christmas tree. This movie will continue to gross more dollars in revenue as people head to the movies during the holiday season.

Not to mention, Taylor Swift seems to have collaborated in her efforts to dress as Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz and highlight the yellow brick road and Emerald City which will only produce more hype around the movie.

There is an agenda to captivate the minds of the innocent youth and introduce them to witchcraft and sorcery just like Harry Potter, Charm, and the Lord of the Rings, just to name a few.

There seems to be another spirit being introduced to the Christmas season and it’s not the Holy Spirit. Slow and gradual change is happening right before our eyes, yet many are so blinded that they don’t realize it.

When you celebrate wickedness, portals are opened to the demonic realm. Nothing good comes out of evil. Evil is evil. Light cannot stand where evil dwells. Many people may believe that watching a movie is harmless, but minds and hearts are heavily influenced by what we consume on a regular basis. As a Christian, we must protect our eye, ear, and mouth gates. Our lifestyle must match what we confess to be as a Christian. We cannot have one foot in the world and the other quoting scriptures on social media. Our heart, mind and actions should align with God.

“Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path”. Psalm 119:105

Unfortunately, this is not a typical Christmas message, but we are not living in a typical world. The world is changing quickly, and we must be aware of the changes that have taken place. As we enter this holiday season, let us hold onto the traditions of Christmas. We do not have to participate in overspending or exhaustion but enjoy the simplicity, love, and beauty that Christmas brings.

May the peace of God be with you this Christmas season!

In the Bible, light is a symbol of goodness, holiness, knowledge, wisdom, grace, hope, and God’s revelation. God is the source of all light and life, and created light to dispel the darkness and chaos on earth. excerpt here

Related Bible Verses

Matt 1:23

“Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel” (which means, God with us). NIV “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”)

Luke 2:13-14

“Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests'”

Psalm 98:4-6

Shout joyfully to the Lord, all the earth; Break forth in song, rejoice, and sing praises.5 Sing to the Lord with the harp, With the harp and the sound of a psalm, 6 With trumpets and the sound of a horn;
Shout joyfully before the Lord, the King.

John 8:12

“I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life”.

1 John 1:5

“This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all”.

Light of the World

Posted on by yolandaberry
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As we enter the Christmas season, it’s important for us to shine the light of Christ into a dark and hurting world.  This is the most meaningful time of the year besides Resurrection Day or Easter which is rooted in the Christian tradition.

“God so loved the world that he gave His only begotten  Son that whosoever believes in Him should not perish  but have everlasting life.” John 3-16.

God gave out of love for us. Unfortunately, the whole idea of the meaning of Christmas is being lost in commercialism. It’s now called a “holiday” rooted in expectation of “How much can I get?” “This is not what I wanted!” “Why didn’t I get that?” “I wish I could get that!” It’s the joyous events of running people over in the parking lot to get the latest tech toy, stressing out over bills that you have to pay in the New Year along with a host of other pressures that come along with the Christmas season.

Unfortunately this is an “I” generation which has caused a society full of demands, selfishness and greed.  When was the last time you thought about Jesus? Do you know who He is? What He did when He came to this earth? The message is very simple. Love. That’s it. He provided love, demonstrated love and gave hope. Everything He represented was about love in a world that could not and still not understand or comprehend the capacity of His love.

It’s very hard to walk in love in you don’t know Him or have a relationship with Him. The natural man does not understand spiritual things because it’s foolishness to him.

Those of us who do have a relationship with Jesus have a responsibility to demonstrate God’s love to others. “The spirit of the Lord has anointed us to preach the gospel.” Isaiah 61:1. We were anointed and called for His purpose as a chosen vessel.  This is not only to share His love in this season but it should be carried out 365 days out of the year. Emmanuel which means, “God is with us” and who also lives in us, so we should reflect His character at all times.

Let’s not get wrapped up in commercialism or depression because we over consume or can’t purchase or get what we desire. This is a time to reflect on the love that Jesus provided and sacrificed for us and in return we should share the same love of Christ with family, friends, co-workers, classmates and strangers.

The best gift you can give is your time to someone who is lonely, sick or in need. Let’s spend more time listening rather than shopping. Also, take some time out for solitude. Turn off the TV, computers, cell phones, Xbox, tablets, kindles, ipads, iphones, ipods, etc…You can not hear from God with so much noise and distraction around you. Spend some time reading the Bible to learn and understand the character of God and find a church that you are comfortable with that is spirit-filled.

If this is new to you, ask the Lord to open your heart and come into your life, forgive your past sins and make you new. Receive Him as your Lord and Savior.  The Holy Spirit will begin to teach you all things so ask Him to lead you to the truth and to find a church where you can grow in Christ. Transformation is a process so don’t expect a change instantly. The caterpillar eventually becomes a butterfly.

As we reflect on the real celebration of Christmas, let us remember Christ in a desperately unsatisfied, lost world.

Jesus stated, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follow me will not walk in darkness,but will have the light of life. John 8:12