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The Beatitudes: A True Heart Change

The Beatitudes are more than a list of moral instructions—they confront the core of who we are. Each statement builds upon the next, revealing that true Christianity is not just about outward actions but about inward transformation.

Martyn Lloyd-Jones wisely observed:

“The Gospel places the emphasis on being rather than doing. The gospel puts greater weight on attitude than upon our action.”

This truth is essential. Our actions naturally flow from what is happening in our hearts. As Jesus taught, “A tree is known by its fruit” (Matthew 12:33).

Moral Actions Alone Are Not Enough

We are often tempted to measure our faith by visible works—serving at church, maintaining a respectable lifestyle, or demonstrating outward piety. But Jesus warned that the Pharisees excelled in such things, yet He condemned them for their empty religiosity.

He called them hypocrites, whitewashed tombs, and blind guides—strong words for those who appeared righteous but lacked true spiritual life.

The danger remains today. One can know the right answers, speak Christian language, and live morally without experiencing gospel transformation.

The Beatitudes offer a test for our hearts. They force us to ask tough questions:

• Am I poor in spirit?

• Do I mourn over my sin?

• What is meekness?

• Do I hunger and thirst for righteousness?

• Am I merciful?

Moral behavior without mercy reveals a heart that has not been changed.

What Is Mercy?

Mercy is not simply a personality trait or an easygoing nature. Jesus describes mercy as something much deeper—a spiritual change that marks a person born again by the Holy Spirit.

1. Mercy Is Not Weakness

It is not passivity or ignoring sin. It’s not the attitude of someone who avoids confrontation or simply “sweeps things under the rug.”

Martyn Lloyd-Jones defines mercy as “pity plus action.” It begins with inward compassion but results in outward response.

2. Mercy Withholds Deserved Punishment

This is the mercy God extends to us. Psalm 103:10 declares:

“He does not deal with us according to our sins, nor repay us according to our iniquities.”

This is mercy: God withholding the judgment we rightly deserve.

You may have heard this contrast:

• Grace is getting what you don’t deserve (forgiveness, eternal life).

• Mercy is not getting what you do deserve (judgment, wrath).

As the Holman Bible Dictionary explains, mercy is “an action taken by the strong toward the weak, the rich toward the poor, those who have toward those who have not.”

This is the foundation of forgiveness. Jesus Himself demonstrated this mercy on the cross, withholding punishment we deserved by giving His own life instead.

3. Mercy Is Compassion in Action

Jesus illustrated this beautifully in the parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10).

• A man is beaten, robbed, and left for dead.

• A priest and a Levite—religious men—see the wounded man but pass by.

• Finally, a Samaritan stops, cares for the man, bandages his wounds, and pays for his recovery.

Jesus asked, “Which of these three proved to be a neighbor?” The answer: “The one who showed him mercy.” Jesus then commanded, “Go and do likewise.”

Mercy isn’t just feeling sorry for others—it’s compassion that moves to action.

Mercy’s Greatest Display: The Cross

It is most powerfully seen in God’s gift of salvation.

“But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us…” (Ephesians 2:4)

“For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son…” (John 3:16)

Though we were dead in our sins, God showed mercy by sending Jesus to rescue us. This is mercy at its highest—God withholding the judgment we deserve and giving us grace instead.

The Promise of Mercy

Jesus declared, “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy” (Matthew 5:7).

Does this mean we must earn mercy by showing mercy? No. Mercy is not a transaction—it’s a response to what we’ve already received.

As Jesus illustrated in the parable of the unforgiving servant (Matthew 18:21-35), one who truly understands the mercy they’ve been shown will naturally extend it to others.

A man forgiven an unpayable debt refused to forgive someone who owed him a small sum. The king rebuked him:

“Should not you have had mercy on your fellow servant, as I had mercy on you?”

This parable warns that a heart untouched by mercy is a heart unchanged by the gospel.

Mercy in the Life of a Believer

The Beatitudes reveal a pattern of transformation:

• Recognizing our spiritual poverty leads us to mourn our sin.

• This humbles us, making us meek before God.

• From there, we hunger for righteousness.

• And having received God’s righteousness, we become merciful people.

The gospel transforms us from the inside out. A truly forgiven person forgives. A heart that has received mercy will show mercy.

As we reflect on God’s mercy, may it move us to compassion in action—forgiving others, loving our neighbors, and pointing them to the mercy we’ve found in Christ.

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The Beatitudes: A Spiritual Mirror

I was having dinner with a group of people I had just met when I excused myself to the bathroom. Looking in the mirror, I was horrified— I had something stuck in my teeth. Immediately, I wondered, How long has that been there? No one at the table had mentioned it, and I didn’t blame them; we didn’t know each other well. Still, I felt embarrassed. The worst part? I had no idea anything was wrong until I was confronted with my reflection. I fixed the issue and carried on with dinner.

We need that same kind of confrontation spiritually.

God, in His kindness, provides mirrors for us—not just literal ones, but spiritual ones. He uses Scripture, the conviction of the Holy Spirit, godly friends who see what we can’t, and even books from faithful pastors of old. One such book in my life has been Studies in the Sermon on the Mount by Martyn Lloyd-Jones. He writes:

I have no hesitation again in asserting that the failure of the Church to have a greater impact on the life of men and women in the world today is due entirely to the fact that her own life is not in order… Every revival proves clearly that men who are outside the Church always become attracted when the Church herself begins to function truly as the Christian Church, and as individual Christians approximate to the description here given in the beatitudes.

Lloyd-Jones reminds us that the church is most effective when it prioritizes holiness over cultural relevance. Church history shows that decline often begins with neglecting God’s Word, leading to slow compromise. Evangelism is essential, but we must first ask ourselves: Are we living in obedience to God’s commands? The Beatitudes serve as a powerful mirror, revealing where we truly stand.

The Beatitudes Confront Us

Like a mirror showing what we wouldn’t otherwise notice, the Beatitudes expose our spiritual condition. When we read Jesus’ words, we must ask: Do I reflect this? These aren’t surface-level checklists; they reveal our desperate need for grace.

The Beatitudes Push Us

The Beatitudes cut to the heart. At our core, we are spiritually poor, helpless, and mourning over sin. We naturally seek power and recognition, yet Jesus calls us to meekness and humility. True mercy, peacemaking, and endurance through persecution—these are not traits we can manufacture on our own. They require the transforming work of the Spirit.

The Beatitudes Reassure Us

Though the Beatitudes confront and challenge us, they also come with promises. When we read about the poor in spirit, Jesus promises the kingdom of heaven. To those who mourn, true comfort. To the meek, an inheritance of the earth. These blessings are not rewards for effort but gifts of God’s unmerited grace.

A Mirror That Leads to Change

Like noticing something in our teeth and fixing it, the Beatitudes show us our need—but they don’t leave us in despair. They point us to Jesus, the only One who can make us clean. Through Him, we don’t just try harder; we are made new.

When we allow the Beatitudes to confront, push, and reassure us, we see that we are not the same anymore. And that’s the true evidence of grace.

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What Does the Bible Say About Money

1 Timothy 6:17-19

“As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy. They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, thus storing up treasure for themselves as a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life.”

Does the Bible address money? Absolutely. Jesus spoke about money in about 15% of His teachings, and Paul also offers clear instructions about wealth. In 1 Timothy 6:10, Paul reminds us that “the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil.” It’s not money itself that is the problem—it’s the idolatry of money.

When money becomes our ultimate hope or source of security, we stop trusting God. As Paul instructs Timothy, pastors are to help their congregations see money rightly—not as a source of arrogance, but as a resource entrusted to us by God.

4 Truths About Money From 1 Timothy 6:17-19:

1) It Won’t Last Forever

Our money and possessions are temporary. They age, break down, or get spent. And when we die, we can’t take anything with us.

Paul warns, “Tell the rich not to be haughty or arrogant, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches” (v. 17). Wealth is fleeting—it can be lost, stolen, or destroyed. Instead of trusting in riches, Paul calls us to trust in God.

This doesn’t mean we should be pessimistic about life, but realistic. Our ultimate hope is not in something temporary, but in God’s eternal kingdom. “Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe” (Hebrews 12:28-29).

Everything we have is from God. You may think, I worked hard for what I have—it’s mine. And yes, hard work is good! But consider:

• Why do you work hard? If your goal is just to accumulate wealth or power, you’re aiming too low.

• Who gave you the ability, opportunity, and resources to work hard? It’s the Lord.

As Colossians 3:23reminds us, “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.”

God is the provider and sustainer. He gave us everything in the past, He provides for us today, and He will continue to provide in the future.

2) God Is the Wealthiest

In verse 17, Paul describes God as the one who “richly provides us with everything to enjoy.”Everything belongs to Him. As Psalm 50:10-11 declares, “For every beast of the forest is mine, the cattle on a thousand hills. I know all the birds of the hills, and all that moves in the field is mine.”

God’s wealth isn’t limited to material riches. He has lavished us with the greatest treasure of all: His grace. Through Jesus, we have redemption, forgiveness, and eternal life. As Ephesians 1:7-8 says, “In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace, which He lavished upon us.”

Even if you lose everything in this life, you are still rich because of Jesus. This gospel perspective frees us to hold loosely to our possessions and trust fully in God.

3) Be a Steward

Paul calls us to “do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share” (v. 18). Generosity is not about obligation—it’s about reflecting God’s character.

2 Corinthians 9:6-7 reminds us, “Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”

Generosity means sacrifice. It’s choosing to give rather than accumulate. It’s saying no to temporary wants so you can say yes to eternal investments.

Be generous with your church, your neighbors, and those in need. Let your generosity point others to Jesus, the One who gave everything for us:

• He became poor so we could have heavenly riches.

• He took our sin so we could be forgiven.

• He died in our place so we could have eternal life.

4) Invest the Right Way

Paul encourages us to “store up treasure…as a good foundation for the future” (v. 19). He echoes Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 6:19-20: “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy…but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven.”

Investing in eternal things means prioritizing the gospel:

• Supporting missions and ministries.

• Serving in your church and community.

• Using your time, talents, and resources to point others to Jesus.

This is wise stewardship that glorifies God and leads to true life.

Final Thoughts: A Gospel Perspective on Money

Money matters because it reveals where our hearts are. Are we trusting in riches or in the God who richly provides? Are we accumulating wealth for ourselves or using it to further God’s kingdom?

Let’s remember that our ultimate treasure is Jesus. He is our provider, sustainer, and Savior. Even if we lose everything, we have the riches of His grace and the hope of eternal life.

May we honor God with our wealth, be generous to others, and invest in what truly matters.

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Satisfied in Him: Lessons from Jesus Feeding the 5,000

Have you ever felt that perfect satisfaction after a good meal? The kind that makes you want to just sit back and take a nap? It’s a small taste of what it feels like to be truly content. In Mark’s Gospel, we encounter a story where satisfaction goes beyond the physical—a moment where Jesus not only met people’s hunger but also their deeper needs.

Mark 6:42 captures this beautiful conclusion to the miraculous feeding of the 5,000:

“And they all ate and were satisfied.”

But what led to this moment? Let’s take a closer look at Jesus’ example and the lessons we can draw from this event.

The Compassion of Jesus

Mark 6:34 gives us a glimpse of Jesus’ heart:

“When he went ashore, he saw a great crowd, and he had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd. And he began to teach them many things.”

Jesus’ compassion wasn’t just a passing emotion—it moved him to action. He saw the crowd’s spiritual hunger first and began teaching. But he also recognized their physical hunger and didn’t ignore it. This is the model for us: love that cares for the whole person, not just one aspect of their needs.

Avoiding Callousness

The danger we face today is becoming calloused to the needs of others. Instead of seeing people through a lens of compassion, we can start to see them as burdens or, worse, as problems to be judged. But Jesus challenges us to look deeper. True compassion compels us to act—not out of obligation, but out of love.

Understanding the Need

Jesus understood that the crowd’s needs were both spiritual and physical. They came to hear his teaching, but their growling stomachs could have distracted from their ability to receive the message.

If Jesus had ignored their physical hunger, his teaching may have been harder for them to focus on. Instead, he met both needs, demonstrating his care for the whole person.

God’s Heart for Needs

Jesus’ response reminds us of God’s generous nature. In Matthew 7:9-11, Jesus teaches:

“Which one of you, if his son asks him for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a serpent? If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him!”

God knows our needs and delights in meeting them. As followers of Christ, we’re called to recognize the needs around us—both spiritual and physical—and to respond with the same heart of generosity.

Listening and Discernment

To understand the needs of others, we must listen well and ask thoughtful questions. Sometimes, the greatest need is spiritual—a longing for the hope and truth of the Gospel. Other times, it’s practical—a meal, shelter, or help with everyday struggles. Prayer and discernment through the Holy Spirit are essential to identifying how we can serve others best.

Meeting the Need

The beauty of this story is that what seemed impossible—a few loaves and fish feeding thousands—was made possible by Jesus. This reminds us that when we feel unequipped to meet the needs around us, God can work through us in powerful ways.

God’s Resources, Not Ours

Even if we can’t meet every need on our own, we serve a God who can. He often uses the collective efforts of his people—the church, Christian organizations, and individual believers—to provide for others.

Prayerful Conversations

As we seek to meet needs, we should also stay in prayer, asking God for the right words and opportunities to share the gospel. Every act of service points back to the ultimate source of satisfaction: Jesus himself.

Satisfied in Him

In the feeding of the 5,000, Jesus not only provided food but demonstrated his ability to meet the deepest needs of the human heart. The response of the crowd—satisfaction—points us to a greater truth: true fulfillment is found in Christ alone.

Let’s follow Jesus’ example by approaching others with compassion, understanding their needs, and trusting God to work through us. As we do, we can witness how he meets needs and brings satisfaction in ways we never thought possible.

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Strengthened by Love: A Prayer for a New Year

As we start a new year, many of us want to do better in different areas of life:

 • Better with our money

 • Better with our time

 • Better with our attitudes

These are all great resolutions, but real and lasting change begins with a transformed heart—a change only Jesus can bring.

A New Year Prayer:

The apostle Paul’s prayer for the Christians in Ephesus is a powerful prayer for us as well as we step into a new year:

”…that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.” (Ephesians 3:16–21, ESV)

Take a moment to reflect on what Paul is asking for in his prayer for the church.

Be Strengthened

Paul prays not only that we would be strengthened with God’s power through the Holy Spirit, but at the heart of his prayer is a plea for Christians to be rooted and grounded in the multi-dimensional love of Christ.

Paul also prays for a second strength—that we would have the strength to comprehend Christ’s love. This is a love that surpasses knowledge. It’s a love that goes deeper, wider, higher, and longer than we can ever fully grasp. The sacrificial love of Christ is beyond measure—the One who knew no sin took on our sin so that we might become the righteousness of God.

How true it is that when we dwell on the love of Christ, everything else begins to change. Our time is no longer our own; it takes on a gospel urgency. Our money and resources are seen as tools for gospel ministry. Even our behavior transforms—not because of mere effort, but because of a heart that has been changed by the love of Christ.

This year, let’s make it our prayer to grow in strength, faith, and a deeper understanding of Christ’s love. With His power at work in us, we can trust Him to do far more abundantly than all we ask or imagine—for His glory and our good.

And as we pray, may we depend on the Lord moment by moment to strengthen us to comprehend His love and to grow in it each day.

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Inexpressible Joy: A Gift Beyond Words

Have you ever tried to put into words a moment when a wave of joy washed over you? You might describe it with words like happiness or excitement. But joy is different, isn’t it? Happiness can come and go, often tied to circumstances or events. Joy, however, is lasting. It doesn’t come from us or within us—it is a gift from the Holy Spirit.

Peter’s description of “inexpressible joy” in 1 Peter 1:8 points us to the profound and supernatural reality of the gospel:

“Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory.”

This joy is not something we can manufacture or muster on our own—it is a divine gift, a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22). It flows from the assurance of what Christ has done for us and who we are in Him.

The Joy of Knowing Christ

Peter acknowledges a beautiful paradox: loving and believing in someone we have never physically seen. And yet, this faith produces a joy so deep that it defies language. Why? Because the gospel is not just information—it is transformation. Through Christ, sinners are justified, the condemned are set free, and those who were once enemies of God are now His beloved children.

How can we even begin to express such a reality? Words often fail us. We might explain the mechanics of justification or atonement, but the weight of God’s mercy and grace leaves us humbled, overwhelmed, and profoundly grateful.

Joy That Transcends Circumstances

This inexpressible joy isn’t tied to our circumstances. It doesn’t waver with life’s ups and downs. Instead, it is rooted in the eternal work of Christ. Yet, how easy it is to lose sight of this joy. The noise of life—its distractions, difficulties, and disappointments—can overshadow the beauty of the gospel. We may find ourselves weighed down, discouraged, or even doubting.

I know I’ve been there. Sometimes it’s subtle—a gradual drift. Other times, it’s loud and sudden.

But here’s the good news: the gospel invites us to refocus. It calls us to lift our eyes off our circumstances and fix them on Christ. In Him, we find a joy that no storm can shake, a joy anchored in the unchanging truth of God’s promises.

Reclaiming the Joy of the Gospel

So, let us ask ourselves:

• Have we let the noise of this world drown out the melody of God’s grace?

• Have we allowed temporary struggles to eclipse eternal truths?

If so, the remedy is simple: return to the gospel. Meditate on what Christ has done. Reflect on His love, His sacrifice, and His victory over sin and death. Let the Holy Spirit remind you of the “inexpressible joy” that is yours in Christ, and let that joy reignite your faith, gratitude, and worship.

Remember, this joy is a gift. It is always available to us because it comes from the One who is unchanging. Fix your heart and mind on Him, and let the inexpressible joy of the gospel flood your soul once again.

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God With Us- The Hope of Christmas

Matthew 1:18-25

Christmas is a time when we celebrate the miraculous – the arrival of Immanuel, “God with us.” In Matthew 1:18-25, we see the extraordinary story unfold with Mary, Joseph, and an angelic messenger. These key figures remind us of the weight of God’s plan and the depth of His love.

Mary and Joseph: Faithful and Obedient

Mary was most likely a young woman, perhaps even a teenager, as was customary for betrothals in her time. Betrothal was more than an engagement; it was a binding agreement. Breaking it required a legal divorce. This context sheds light on Joseph’s decision when he learned of Mary’s pregnancy. He initially planned to “put her away” quietly, meaning to divorce her without shame.

Mary faced immense risks with this pregnancy:

  1. Her Virginity: As a virgin pledged to be married, her pregnancy was scandalous. It took divine intervention for Joseph to believe and accept the miraculous truth.
  2. Cultural Law: According to Old Testament law, a woman found unfaithful could face severe punishment, even death (Leviticus 20:10).
  3. Stigma: Despite knowing the truth, both Mary and Joseph would face societal whispers about Jesus’ legitimacy.

The Incarnation: God With Us

Mary’s pregnancy by the Holy Spirit is the foundation of the incarnation. Jesus had to be born of a woman but without inheriting the sinful nature passed down from Adam. This miraculous conception fulfilled a prophecy made hundreds of years earlier:

“Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.” – Isaiah 7:14

Why does the incarnation matter? Jesus, fully God and fully man, was uniquely qualified to rescue humanity. Only a sinless man could atone for sinful humanity, and only God could bear the weight of that sin.

Charles Spurgeon captures the mystery of the incarnation: “It is a deep, mysterious, and delicate subject, fitter for reverent faith than for speculative curiosity.”

Paul Tripp adds, “The incarnation of Jesus Christ pointedly preaches our inescapable need for radical, personal, and moral rescue and forgiveness.”

Belief and Obedience

Belief leads to obedience, and obedience strengthens belief. Faith itself is a gift from God:

“For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.” – Ephesians 2:8-9

Mary and Joseph’s actions exemplify this truth. Mary praised God, as recorded in Luke’s Gospel, while Joseph obeyed by taking Mary as his wife and refraining from consummating their marriage until after Jesus was born. Their obedience reminds us to trust God’s plan even when it challenges our understanding.

The Christmas Message: Good News and Bad News

Christmas brings both good news and bad news. The bad news is that humanity is broken and in desperate need of rescue. Sin has separated us from God, and no human effort can bridge the gap. But the good news is far greater: God did not leave us in our helpless state. Through Jesus, He provided the only way to be rescued.

Christmas reminds us of God’s kindness, love, and goodness. Jesus is our rescuer, Immanuel, God with us. As we celebrate, let us reflect on the miracle of His birth and the hope it brings to all who believe.

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Marvelous Light: God’s Promise of Transformation from 1 Peter 2:9

But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.– 1 Peter 2:9

I enjoy sunsets as the colors that are painted are extraordinary but I also really enjoy sunrises as light pierces the darkness. Instead of a fading light, a sunrise is bright and grows from the birth of the morning. 

Peter is writing about a new group who are made up of both Jewish Christians and Gentile Christians- the church. In his encouragement of directing them in their position in Christ, Holy- their purpose, as priests and their freedom- from darkness to his marvelous light.

1. Understanding Darkness

It is show in the Bible as Sin, separation from God, spiritual blindness, or hopelessness (John 3:19-21, Ephesians 5:8). The Bible tells us our life outside of Christ as lost or dead in our sins and trespasses. We are not only without direction, more so, we were headed in the wrong direction (Ephesians 2:1-3). 

Have you ever felt stuck in a dark season of life?

Have you ever felt like you could not break free from sin? 

We have this great news- Jesus has brought us out of darkness into his marvelous light.

2. The Call to Marvelous Light

God is the one who calls us out of darkness through His grace (John 8:12). We don’t initiate this, but God does. As we know his motivation is his agape love that he has for us (John 3:16). What Is Marvelous Light? It is God’s presence, truth, and the hope of salvation. 

Just like actual like and darkness stand in contrast with one another, there is the stark contrast of God’s marvelous light with the darkness of sin. Some of those would be Salvation and sin. Forgiveness and guilt. New Life and bondage to sin

3. The Transforming Power of God’s Light

Notice the transforming power leads to this New Identity. What does this mean for believers today? It means that there is the transformation action for today and for eternity. 

The transformation action for today means we are to live differently because of the Jesus. We are to be a light to this world (Matthew 5:14-16). This means we reflect Christ likeness as we are called to love our neighbors and even our enemies. 

Transformation action for eternity means that this change will come fully complete one day. We are new creations in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17). This means we have received and are receiving all that we need for eternity. He who began a work in us will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ (Philippians 1:6).

4. Our Purpose in the Light

We are to reflect this truth, being brought into his marvelous light by reflecting him. Just like the moon reflects the light of the sun, we reflect God’s light through worship and testimony.

Worship is more than singing, but involves singing. D. A. Carson writes, Worship is the proper response of all moral, sentient beings to God, ascribing all honor and worth to their Creator-God precisely because he is worthy, delightfully so.” 

We are reminded that obedient living is an act of worship to God (Romans 12:1-2). This means our lives are to reflect who Jesus and why he came.

The idea of reflecting the truth that we have been brought from darkness into God’s marvelous light because of Jesus, this means we proclaim this through our testimony. We are to be witnesses and to make disciples of Jesus (Matthew 18:19; Acts 1:8).

What are some ways you can grow in sharing your faith?

The Christians life is to be of worship and testimony as it points to the marvelous transformation that God has done in us and through us because of Jesus Christ.

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The Unfading Light

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made.John 1:1-3 (ESV)

Our house has some high vaulted ceilings that make changing lightbulbs a little difficult. We have to use either a really tall ladder or a pole with a suction cup at the end. I’m not a fan of either. So, I try to replace them with nice LED bulbs, hoping they’ll outlast me.

Everlasting

Jesus, the Light of the world, has no beginning and no end. In the book of Revelation, He is described as the Alpha and Omega — a declaration of His preeminence and eternal existence.

In John’s Gospel, we don’t find a genealogy of names tracing Jesus’ earthly lineage. Instead, we are presented with an ever-existing description of Him. John declares that He was in the beginning — present at creation — and that all things were made through Him and by Him.

This profound truth shapes our faith. Knowing that Jesus has always existed assures us that He is unchanging. His promises are not temporary or conditional. When He says in Matthew 28:20, “I am with you always, to the end of the age,”it is a promise backed by eternity. Similarly, in Hebrews 13:5, we find comfort in His words: “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”

The Light That Can’t Be Dimmed

Back to lightbulbs. In our home, we have a chandelier that fades as the bulbs begin to fail. The weakening light signals that replacement is near. In contrast, Jesus, God the Son, has always existed and will always exist. He will never fade or fail. As John’s Gospel reminds us, “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it” (John 1:5).

This light is not just for comfort; it is for victory. Jesus is the victorious, everlasting King. His light defeats the darkness, bringing hope to a broken world. We do not need to fear the encroaching shadows, for the light of Christ will always prevail. When we walk in the light, as He is in the light, He will guide us and see us through (1 John 1:6).

Let this truth guide your heart today: the light of Christ is eternal and unfading. As we face the uncertainties and struggles of life, we can rest in His eternal presence and power. Unlike lightbulbs that dim and fail, His light will never fade. He is always with us, leading us toward His glory.

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The Darkness has Lifted

Isaiah 9:2

There’s a business near us in Washington that decorates for Christmas in an absolutely breathtaking way. The sheer number of lights and the vibrant variety of colors immediately grab your attention. When you drive by at night, you can’t help but marvel at their beauty.  

What makes these lights so stunning is the contrast—they shine so brightly against the darkness. During the day, those same lights are on the trees and buildings, but they don’t have nearly the same impact. The darkness allows their brilliance to stand out. 

This contrast reminds me of the prophet Isaiah’s words about the coming of Christ. Hundreds of years before Jesus was born, Isaiah spoke of a long-awaited change, a moment when light would break into the darkness of this world. He writes,  

“The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shone” (Isaiah 9:2).  

Isaiah paints a picture of constant, overwhelming darkness, as if the world was void of light. Then, he describes the arrival of Jesus—the Light of the world, God in the flesh, dwelling among us. Just as Christmas lights pierce the night, so Jesus came to pierce the darkness of sin and despair. His coming wasn’t ordinary or subtle; it was powerful, wonderful, and life-changing.  

Israel was living in darkness, not only because of the sin in the land, such as idolatry, but also because they were awaiting the fulfillment of God’s promises. Everything written about Jesus in the Old Testament was a foreshadowing of His coming, yet the people struggled to hold on to hope. Despite repeated warnings from the prophets, the nation failed to heed God’s call to repentance. Judgment came upon them because of their sin, leaving them in despair and longing for deliverance.  

Amid this darkness, Isaiah’s prophecy shines as a beacon of hope. He foretells the birth of a child who would bring light and life, declaring Him to be the “Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6). This was no ordinary child but the promised Messiah—Jesus, who would fulfill every word spoken about Him and bring salvation to a world lost in sin.  

But why do we need this Light? From the moment Adam sinned, humanity has been cursed, living under the weight of darkness—a spiritual separation from God. Without Christ, that darkness consumes us. Yet in His great mercy, Jesus came to bring light to our souls, to free us from the curse of sin and death.  

As we go about the busyness of this season, let’s not let the familiarity of the story dull its wonder. Take time to reflect on the magnitude of what Jesus has done. He didn’t just come to be a light; He came to be our light, offering hope, redemption, and life. He came to save sinners like you and me. It is by him alone. 

This truth is not only for today but also for our eternal future—secured by Jesus through His life, death, and resurrection. In moments when our days feel overshadowed by darkness, we can cling to the hope He brings. Jesus has shattered the power of sin and death, breaking through the darkness to declare, “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). His light is our constant guide, offering hope, peace, and assurance no matter how dark life may seem.  

So, this Christmas, as you see lights shining in the darkness, let them remind you of Jesus—the Light that has come into the world. Take a moment to give thanks for this wonderful truth and let the light of Christ shine in your heart.