Liz’s Morning Devotional: Scripture selected from Upper Room
January 17, 2025
John 1:9-13
9 The true light that shines on all people was coming into the world. 10 The light was in the world, and the world came into being through the light, but the world didn’t recognize the light. 11 The light came to his own people, and his own people didn’t welcome him. 12 But those who did welcome him, those who believed in his name, he authorized to become God’s children, 13 born not from blood nor from human desire or passion, but born from God.
Good Morning. Jesus is the light of the world.
While I was living in Afton, the Blue Ridge Tunnel trail opened. I was excited to see and walk through this 170-year-old tunnel. It was a sunny day, and I was surprised by how quickly the darkness consumed us. We had our flashlights so we could see our path, avoid the water puddles, and view the natural rocks and the amazing engineering feat of building the tunnel, but the glimpse of natural light eluded us.
As we walked, we would see a spots of light, but we realized that they were generated by people with flashlights walking toward us. Slowly, we began to see the light “at the end of the tunnel.” At first, it was as small as the dots of the flashlights, but gradually it grew into the size of the arched opening at the other end.
Most of us have periods in our lives that resemble the trek through the tunnel. The world around us begins to feel as if it is closing in, and then the darkness starts to envelop us. In these times, the light we seek is found in Christ. When we call on his holy name, he will brighten, so that we can find our way back to the light.
Christ’s light is available to all who call him Lord and Savior. None of us are worthy to evoke his name, but by God’s grace all are welcome to call anytime, any place.
Loving Lord, Maker of all things! Thank you for lighting our paths when the darkness comes. We would lose our ways without Your light. Thank you! In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen
Thought for the day: Embrace God’s promises when difficult days come.
The light of Jesus shines in the darkness! Pastor Liz
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