Let us live our lives by the Light
by Kimberley Pfeiffer
Click here to download your printable verse to carry with you today.
The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness – on them a light has shined (Isaiah 9:2).
Generic spirituality continues to thrive even in our secular culture. People want spirituality without religion. They want the ‘divine light’ without being responsible to the Divine. Many different little ‘lights’ compete for our attention. They each can illuminate one small part of life, but none light the whole or, more importantly, penetrate the darkest places of our souls.
Today’s reading is the prophecy about the coming of Christ, the Divine Light, into the darkness of the world. Jesus said, ‘I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness but will have the light of life’ (John 8:12). God the Father has revealed himself to us in Christ so that by him, we are given true light to see all the little lights for what they are. To paraphrase Martin Luther, it is by the light of the cross that we can see a thing for what it actually is.
This will seem foolish to your non-Christian family and friends, who think they can see clearly a way of life that works for them. I also know that Christmas is a time of pain for Christian mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters and friends who grieve for the lack of faith in the lives of their loved ones. So, take a moment to pray to God through Christ, by the Holy Spirit, to draw those you know into Christ’s light. Ask in boldness because you are a child of the light given the gift of faith in Christ, who intercedes to the Father on your behalf. Ask God to light up the lives of your loved ones this Christmas. May Christ’s abundant light illuminate your faces, homes and churches, pointing the way to his kingdom.
Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for giving us the gift of light and life and every good thing because of the sacrifice of your Son. Renew our hearts to receive Christ this Advent – our true light. We ask you to shine your light on those who walk in darkness. Bathe us in the light of your Spirit so we can be beacons of light for your glory through Christ. Amen.
Kimberley Pfeiffer is married to Pastor Joshua, and they have four children. Kimberley served in various capacities in the LCA Churchwide Office before moving to the USA at the beginning of 2022 for Joshua to complete his PhD studies. In God’s provision, Kimberley has been given the opportunity to study a Master of Arts (Theology) degree at Concordia Theological Seminary, St Louis, which she says she is enjoying very much.
- Click here to read previous devotions.
- We are also posting them on LCA Facebook, making it easy for you to share them with family and friends.
- Sign up to receive Daily Devotion in your inbox every morning. If you’re already doing that, please encourage others to sign up. Click here for the link.
