Shining His Light into the Darkness

Sometimes the cold winter months seem so dark and we feel like not doing anything.  The winter months in Northern Maine can be rather hard on people in one way or another.  Sometimes it is so very easy to feel depressed and all alone this time of the year.  We experience the lack of sunshine and we remember family and friends that are no longer with us.   This time of the year can be hard on many people.

I have been blessed to lead a service at a local nursing home facility twice a month.  I bring along someone to play the piano and I bring my guitar.  We sing hymns, we pray, and I share a devotional which is usually a writing from my blog.  No one has fallen asleep yet or walked out, (well except for that time I tried to sing Rock of Ages), on me.

Yesterday I went to that nursing home and we sang Christmas Hymns.  It was a great time and the Activities Director thanked us for being there and she said the residents really appreciated the visits as well.  I appreciated the compliments, but truth be known every time I leave there after a service I fell like I was the one that was blessed by seeing them.

Sometimes we can take things for granted and sometimes we fail to see God's goodness in the world around us.  There is a lot of darkness and loneliness in our world, but God still shines His light into the darkness.   I also had another great thing that occurred yesterday.

After I finished the service at the nursing home I joined the First Baptist Church of Houlton`s Youth Group to go Christmas Caroling.  It was a fun and amazing time.  This time of the year I sometimes feel anxious and nervous especially we I do something new, but I was super calm yesterday.  I felt the Lord's presence and it was a great time of fellowship as well as service.

The Lord wants to shine His light through us into this world of darkness.  We must stand firm upon His Holy Word and be anchored to the truth of who He is.  Let us be lead by the power of the Holy Spirit and minister to those in need even if it is only singing some songs to them or giving a friendly hug.

Lord,

We praise Your Holy Name.
Help us to serve You by serving others.
Help us to show Your love to those in need and to those who are lonely.
I praise Your Name.
In Jesus Name I pray,
Amen.