Morning Devotional 122325 The Light Brightly Shining

Liz’s Morning Devotional: Scripture selected from Upper Room

December 23, 2025 

John 1:1-14

In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God and the Word was God. 2 The Word was with God in the beginning. 3 Everything came into being through the Word, and without the Word nothing came into being. What came into being 4 through the Word was life, In the Word was life and the life was the light for all people. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness doesn’t extinguish the light. 6 A man named John was sent from God. 7 He came as a witness to testify concerning the light, so that through him everyone would believe in the light. 8 He himself wasn’t the light, but his mission was to testify concerning the light. 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. 14 The Word became flesh and made his home among us. We have seen his glory, glory like that of a father’s only son, full of grace and truth.

Good Morning! The Word became flesh and made his home among us.

John describes life without God as living in darkness. Jesus came and brought the light, so that all who choose may find their way to him.

One of my joys at Christmas is the extra lights that light my home. Each shining bulb increases the feeling of God’s presence within me. I especially enjoy getting up early before the sun lights up the room or turning off the lamps and staring into the Christmas lights filling my space. 

I find calmness and peace in this divine space and time meditating with God. A few years ago, I realized a bit of sadness after all the extra lights were put away following Christmas. To remedy this, I made a decision to keep some of the lights in place to light my heart and soul during the long hours of physical darkness in the winter. 

By the time I put the last of the lights away, we are moving into spring and the signs of new life pop up around my yard and neighborhood. I realize as I share space with God this morning, I am keeping the lights burning during Jesus’ earthly walk.

Through Jesus' death and resurrection, his light is implanted within the body of believers through the Holy Spirit. Jesus said, “I am the light of the World.”

Anytime I consider the light, I am reminded of these powerful words from Amanda Gorman. For there is always light, if only we’re brave enough to see it. If only we’re brave enough to be it.

Redeeming Lord, you bless us abundantly! Thank you for sending light to lead us back to you. Thank you. We love you. In Christ’s name we pray, Amen.

Thought for the day: When the world seems dark, look to Jesus, the Light of the world.

Be the light for others to find their way to Jesus! Pastor Liz