Faith Words: The Grand Illumination

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This December 1st finds me in Colonial Williamsburg with my husband, John, fulfilling a dream both of us have had for some time now:  being present at the Grand Illumination!  The Grand Illumination is the finale of the festivities here in Colonial Williamsburg that signals the beginning of the Christmas season.  Every building, shop, and home is decked out with greenery and wreaths and candles in the colonial style.  And Sunday night, December 2nd, the historic town lights the candles and sets off fireworks, filling the eyes of onlookers with joyous wonder.  Even those of us watching will try to reflect the light with glowsticks.   It will be like daylight.  I can hardly wait to see it for myself.
How important light is to us!  We want our paths to be lighted for safety and clarity.  We want to be able to see where we’re trying to walk, see what we’re trying to read.  It’s the same with our spiritual lives.  We’re looking for illumination in our walk with the Lord, illumination in our study of His Word. 
In Genesis 1, the very first thing we read that God created was Light.  And after creating it, God said, “It is good.”  David compared the word of God to a lamp to his feet, a light to his path.  And the Apostle John tells us of the true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world.
Jesus Christ is that true light.  He came into the world to fill our lives with the glory of God.  All we have to do is follow him. 
There’s a beautiful old hymn that sums it up pretty well:
Trying to walk in the steps of the Savior,
Trying to follow our Savior and King,
Shaping our lives by His blessed example,
Happy, how happy the songs that we bring:
How beautiful to walk in the steps of the Savior,
Stepping in the light, stepping in the light,
How beautiful to walk in the steps of the Savior,
Led in paths of Light.”
Following Jesus is not a passive pastime.  When we let the Light of the World shine on us, we have the wonderful joy of reflecting that Light back out to the world around us. 
Jesus Christ is the true light and in Him is no darkness.  He’s the true Grand Illumination who will illuminate our hearts and show us the glory of the Lord.  The time of this glorious Grand Illumination is now.  Our Savior has come into the world.  Shine, sisters, SHINE!
Glory to God!
Patrice

Isaiah 60:1 (NIV)
Arise, shine, for your light has come,
And the glory of the Lord rises upon you.

Comments

Sheree Denny said…
NIV Psm 46:1

God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.
December 1, 2012 at 12:43 PM
Carol Rea said…
I Thessalonians 5:16-18 NIV

Be joyful always; pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.
December 3, 2012 at 9:50 AM
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