Women’s Devotion: The Light of the World
“The world waits for a miracle
The heart longs for a little bit of hope
Oh come, oh come, Emmanuel
A child prays for peace on Earth
And she’s calling out from a sea of hurt
Oh come, oh come, Emmanuel…”
Music has always inspired me, and the song “The Light of the World” by Lauren Daigle has deeply touched my heart during this season of Advent. We are waiting—waiting for the light to break through the darkness of the world. Sometimes, we wonder if we will ever see the glimmer of light in our lives and in the world again.
And yet, somehow, when we remember and celebrate the birth of Jesus through the miracle and magic of Christmas, God calls us to open our hearts and prepare for the light—His light—to fill our souls once again.
Jesus says to us in John 8:12: “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life.”
The light we have been waiting for has been with us all along—through Jesus. We need only to hear His words and sing His songs to know and feel the light, His light, in our hearts. The sunrise each morning reminds us that there is light in each new day, that God is with us to guide us through both the good times and the hard times of our lives. The beauty of nature brightens our world, and the love of family, friends, and community warms our hearts.
Yes, there is darkness in the world, but there is also light that breaks through that darkness and brightens the world. Jesus is that light, and He has given His light to each of us so that we, too, can be the light of the world.
Jesus encourages us in Matthew 5:14, 16: “You are the light of the world…Let your light so shine before others that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.”
So, the light we have been waiting for is here. It always has been—through Jesus—and it is within all of us who love Him. We are the light of the world when we love deeply, grow spiritually, and share abundantly.
“Glory, the light of the world is here
For all who wait
For all who hunger
For all who’ve prayed
For all who wonder
Behold your King
Behold Messiah
Emmanuel, Emmanuel
Glory to the light of the world”
Dear Jesus,
As we celebrate your birth at Christmas once again, fill us with your light, so that we can shine our light to make the world a little brighter and that we may share the gifts of faith, hope, love, joy and peace with all those in our lives. Thank you for being the light of the world. Amen.
This month’s devotion is written by Judy Sorensen, a member of the Sheridan Women’s Ministry Team. She is a long-time member of Sheridan and is involved with Tanzanian missions, a Grace Group, a Women’s Circle, SOLOS, and the Music Ministry as a worship leader.
Judy is a retired kindergarten teacher and a former consultant for Opportunity Education. She and her husband, Rocky, who passed away in June 2017, have four married children, seven granddaughters, and two grandsons. Judy enjoys spending time with her family, friends, and her dog, Bella. She also loves traveling to explore God’s world. She feels blessed to be a part of the Sheridan community.