Sunday, December 7, 2025

The Ambiance of Light

 


Do all things without complaining and disputing, that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, ~ Philippians 2:14,15 

What is there about candlelight that draws me to it?

Perhaps it's the ambiance it creates. 
  • It never grumbles or complains
  • It burns brighter and brighter
  • It dances with the flickers of light
  • It reflects that dance on the walls
  • It comforts with warmth
  • It opens up the vision 
  • It draws others to it
The longer it burns the shorter it grows, but it never goes out as long as there is wick to burn.

The Reflection
So when I grumble and complain am I drawing others to Christ? Will others listen when I try to witness? Who would want to be a part of something or someone who promotes sadness and makes others around them unhappy or depressed? No one. 

The Ambiance
How can I create an ambiance of joy, peace, happiness, love? 
Perhaps by leaving the grumbling and complaining behind, giving it all to Christ.
Remember/reflect that no matter the situation, He is working things out for His purposes and our good.

The Comfort
Demonstrating love and kindness to all people goes a long way in the midst of a divided and hopeless people.

The Vision
Perhaps by shining as lights in the world, creating an ambiance of joy, of love, and of peace. People must first know we care before they will listen to the message of salvation

Heavenly Father, help me be your light. Help me create that ambiance of peace and comfort, of joy and dancing. Thank you for the privilege to shine for you even to my waning days. In Jesus's name. Amen.

Monday, December 1, 2025

Gail Cartee: Sleep in Heavenly Peace

Gail Cartee: Sleep in Heavenly Peace: And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehe...

Sleep in Heavenly Peace


And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. ~Luke 2: 15,16 KJV

Have you ever tried to picture Mary and Joseph in a stable tucked back into a cave? Close your eyes and uses your imagination. Create the sensory reactions of the stable. What does it smell like, How does the straw feel when walked or lain on? What sounds are heard?
Wait! What's that sound? Is it the sound of someone struggling from pain? Infant cries. What is going on in this stable. May I offer a poem of that first night?
Sleep in Heavenly Peace
Mom and Joseph labored through the night
Now He is here, pink and perfect.
Joseph speaks and His head turns,
Eyes searching as if to say,
"I know that voice. That's my Joseph".


He easily finds both fists and suckles loudly.
Bright eyes search the face who holds him.
Mom nestles him close to her breast.
His head turns from His fists to her warm food.
She smiles and relaxes as her milk lets down.


He nurses strong, then begins to doze and
Awake to snack and doze and snack
And doze and ...
His chin quivers as her breast slips from His mouth.
Sleep, peaceful, quiet, heavenly sleep.


Swaddled in clean cloths, He is laid in the manger.
Whispers enter the barn door.
Shepherds shuffle in the shadows of lantern light.
Quiet awe at the sight of the angels' message.
"For unto you is born...a Saviour, which is
Christ the Lord."


Father God, help us make the Christmas season real. May we be aware of Mary's struggles in a smelly barn. May we be aware of Joseph's anxious feelings of delivering a baby, Your Son into the world. Help us be aware of Your miracles around us swaddled in the ordinary. In Jesus' name. Amen.