The Upper Room 19th December 2021 Daily Devotional | Sunday Message
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4th Sunday of Advent
Patrick Baumer (Indiana, USA)
TODAY’S READING
Matthew 5:14-16
KEY VERSE: [God’s] word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path. – Psalm 119:105 (NIV)
The Upper Room 19th December 2021 Daily Devotional Message
My wife and I, along with the help of our children and grandchildren, have the tradition of picking out a live Christmas tree each year. My wife and grandkids are in charge of decorating the tree, and they do an awesome job.
But before the first ornament is hung, it’s my job to string the lights.
Last Christmas the corner where we placed the tree was rather dark and gloomy. As I added each strand of lights, the tree slowly began to brighten. By the time I added the star at the top, the entire tree was illuminated.
When I saw how each light lit up its section of the tree, it reminded me of how as followers of Christ we are called to shine brightly in our own corner of the world. God does not call any single person to “light” the whole world — just to shine for those we come into contact with each day. We can treat others with compassion instead of harshness; we can compliment instead of complain. When we do this, others will see Jesus in us, and God’s light and love will shine in every corner of the earth.
TODAY’S PRAYER
Heavenly Father, help us to brighten someone’s day with your love through an encouraging word, an act of kindness, or simply a smile. Amen.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
I can be God’s light for someone whose world seems dark.
PRAYER FOCUS
Christmas tree farmers
