The Light the World Team: Janice Erickson, Lisa Rae Preston, Marnie Pehrson, and Judy Hansen

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.

Opryland Hotel, Nashville, TN

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.