great Light of the world

Tomorrow is Epiphany on the church calendar. It is a day that represents the wise men coming to visit the Christ child, thus celebrating Christ as Savior of the world. In England, it is celebrated as Twelfth Night, with a feast and plum pudding. It is also the day that all Christmas decorations should be removed—note to self.

Epiphany celebrates Christ as Light of the World to the Gentiles. January 6 also holds special meaning to me as I knelt before the Lord rededicating my life to Christ fifteen years ago and felt the Holy Spirit reawaken this prodigal soul. I no longer worship in a church that celebrates the church calendar year, but I love the reminder of this special day.

Here, some 2000 years after the birth of our Christ, someone from each generation had to take the Great Commission seriously and share the Hope of men with others, making disciples in all the world. God preserved a remnant even in the darkest of days of Christianity to carry the Good News, to sometimes die for the cause, to almost always be persecuted for the purpose, but to insure that someone like you or I, in the twenty-first century, could still know this great saving message of Life. This cheers my heart and absolutely slays it at the same time—that God would be so faithful to us that we would have the opportunity for hope and a relationship with Him because of those faithful servants who have gone before us.

Please join me in prayer for those carrying His Word into all the nations today, for those who forsake comfort and security and risk persecution and even death to give their lives to the cause of the Great Commission, in particular, my friends, Patti and Georgia. Many people have come to a saving knowledge of Christ because of missionaries, either by being able to hold His Word in their hands and read for themselves in their native language or hear the Good News preached from a willing vessel. I came to Christ because I saw Him in another. We were not given this Gift to keep it to ourselves. It is meant to be shared.

Blessed Epiphany to you, as you reflect on how and maybe who brought the Good News to you. If you would like, share a little of how you came to know Christ or perhaps the name of the person who shows you Christ, so we can give thanks this day for them.

Deep Peace of Christ, the Light of the World to you,

annie

May God be merciful to us, and bless us, and cause His face to shine on us. So that Your way may be known on earth, Your salvation among all nations.
Psalm 67:1-2
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3 thoughts on “great Light of the world

  1. Wouldn’t want to pass up an opportunity to say I became a follower of Christ through the ministry of Campus Crusade for Christ. Lost my childhood to sexual abuse, mental illness, alcohol, drugs. I hid under my house. Spent 8 years trying everything the world could offer me. One night in a bar, this 23-year-old met a Man who changed my whole life. His name was Jesus. Went to FBC Houston followed by Seminary followed by planting a church and being a part for 27 years. Waiting on God to go back into ministry since we were terminated. Spent way too much of adulthood hiding in my heart but no more. I am alive to my beautiful God in ways I’ve never been before. I am overwhelmed to be called “beloved”—the one my Jesus loves—and you are too!

  2. Dearest Annette,
    God orchestrated it all for me. He planted so many seeds since I was a little girl. He put so many loving people in my path to point me to Him. I am so grateful for all of them and their obedience. I would never have asked to have gone through my divorce, but I am sure God meant it for good. I had no other choice than to fall into His arms. I wish I had a date to claim it, but it was a gradual thing. He continues to give me reasons to run to Him, because I know when I try to go it alone I am no good to anyone. Thank you for asking me to reflect on this today. YOU show me Christ every single time we talk or communicate! I give you thanks today for always showing me His light! You shine so bright! Love you, Angie

  3. Annie,
    What a great thing to remember–the day you rededicated your life to our Savior, who is the Light of the world. [I like that song.]

    I want to share that my husband shows me Christ in him with his unconditional love for me. He knows me better than anyone (other that our Lord) and he is still with me through all our ups and downs for almost 20 years.

    I posted my testimony on my website and it can be found at
    http://www.shondawhitworth.com/testimony.html

    Blessings in Christ–

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