This Christmas I’ve had the privilege of viewing splendid Christmas lights across the U.S. I spent an evening walking around Salt Lake City with my dearest friends, enjoying the incredible array of lights, and the Cristus overlooking a beautiful Nativity scene. Later, my family and I visited the Opryland Hotel and enjoyed their lights and decorations. With every display of lights or even a simple Christmas tree, I’ve thought about their symbolism.
Each of those bulbs represents you and me and our efforts to lead others to Christ. A lot of times we think we have to do everything. We have to be the one to shine brightly, to make a difference, and we sometimes feel alone in the process. But in reality the tree is decorated with a multitude of lights. We are not alone in our efforts. If we will join forces with others who want to make a positive impact, we can light up this world in a display like no one has ever seen before. But that requires laying aside our differences and coming together in friendship and unity across denominational lines. It’s time we did our part in fulfilling Christ’s plea to the Father that we might be one even as He and His Father are one! (John 17:11)
Think of the evergreen as our Savior Jesus Christ. He’s alive, vibrant and eternal. But, in this world, few see Him. They’re so busy with earning a living, paying the bills, and pursuing their own interests, that they rarely see Him. Perhaps this is why John referred to Him as the “light [which] shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.” (John 1:5). But string that tree with lights and an amazing thing occurs – people not only see the tree, but are drawn to it.
Each of us with our own unique talents, abilities and experiences represent a colorful shining light on Christ’s tree. The world can’t see Him, but they CAN see you and me! As we lay aside our differences, release our fear, pride, jealousy and insecurities, we can come together in Him and share His love and light with an ever-darkening world.
This is what Lighting the World is all about. Jesus told us to stop lighting candles and putting them under bushel baskets. He admonished us to keep oil in our lamps so we could light the way for others. He challenged us to be like glowing cities atop hills that cannot be hid. What’s more, He told us to seek first the Kingdom of God and all those material concerns like food, shelter and raiment would be added by Him. The world has it backwards my friends. Everyone’s waiting to have enough money to make a difference. Make a difference and your needs will be met!
I’m asking you to join me in lighting the greatest, grandest Christmas tree that has ever existed. Not a physical one, but a spiritual one — one that brings Christians together in critical mass to transform this world and prepare it for His second coming! It all starts today with you. Step into your own divine destiny, your own unique color shining brightly alongside others.
If this concept intrigues you, we’d love to have you join us in person at a live event with a couple hundred other women who are ready to light the world in a brilliant way. I’d like to personally invite you to join me April 20-23rd, 2010 for the “Light the World: Birthing Your Destiny Retreat” in Zions National Park. We’ll have wonderful music, speakers, entertainers, and guides there who will help you
- Discover your divine destiny,
- Catch a vision of who you are and your relationship to your Father in Heaven.
- Remove any blocks, fears or insecurities that have been holding you back, and
- Come away with unstoppable vision and courage to make it happen.
Are you ready to birth your destiny? Join us in spring 2010! More information will be coming soon. In the meantime please drop me a comment or an email if you’d like to be there.
http://neillneill.com
Beautiful piece, Marnie.
My favorite prayer is “Make me an instrument of your Peace.” In my world, light and love and peace are intertwined.
Have a peaceful Christmas and a bright 2010.
Love and blessings,
Neill
I love having known you over this past year. With your mentoring earlier this year and your websites you have opened my heart and mind to the possiblities of success. Thank you so much for what you do and I wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!!!
With love,
Kimberly Thornton
What a worthwhile lesson to be learned, Jesus our evergreen Tree Of Life, and us all decorating Him with our testimonies of light – Lovely! Thank you and may the Lord richly bless you as you continue to make a difference, in His Name.
I would love to attend and I’m sure one or more sisters will join me.
Thank you for sharing your Christmas message.
Margaret
Thanks for such a beautiful message.
Wish I COULD be there! I think it’s going to be awesome. And thank you for continuing the shine for Jesus theme with this piece. I am getting it over and over and over.
Thank you for the good lesson.
In the present dark world, all lights are needed to make a diffirence.
I love the thought of looking at Jesus as a evergreen tree…….ever green, like the spring green with life.
Beloved, I loved this piece as I recentlly gave a talk to Methodist lay preachers one-day retreat in Nigeria titled:
‘We are lit to be light’
We can only be kept shining by the Holy Spirit.
I wish that all Gods children prosper in body, soul and spirit in 2010, Amen
MOSanni
Thanks for your Christmas message Marnie. I loved it. I look at my Christmas tree now with new insight and purpose – to be a light myself.
Thanks for all your support the last couple of years. You made a tremendous difference to me. Thank you again!
Awesome post. It is the real message of christmas.
I like looking through a post that will make people think. Also, thanks for allowing me to comment!