Pointing To The Light

 

As I type this blog post, it’s getting dark outside, which shouldn’t surprise me, as it seems at this time of year that it’s rare that it’s not dark outside! 

Looking at the world around me, and the circumstances of those close to me, it feels like more than just a physical darkness. So many are suffering and struggling, longing for light. 

During Advent, it is common to reflect on the themes of hope, peace, joy, and love, and it strikes me that these things are exactly what those around us need. It prompted me to think about how we can use our writing to point people to hope, joy, peace, and love in Jesus this Advent. 

Hope 

“The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it.” (John 1:5 NLT) 

When you’re walking in darkness, even a tiny bit of light can bring hope. Whether it’s sharing a story of hope, writing a post that points to hope in Jesus, or simply sending an encouraging note or text to someone going through a difficult time to let them know we’re thinking of them and they’re not alone, our words can play a part in bringing that hope. 

Peace 

“The peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.” (John 14:27 NLT) 

Peace is not necessarily found in the resolution of all our conflict (internal or external) or in favourable circumstances. It is found by knowing God’s presence with us, whatever our circumstances. At Christmas, Jesus entered right into this messy world as Immanuel – God with us. Our writing can assure people of this and encourage them to receive the gift of peace this Christmas by looking to Jesus. 

Joy 

“The angel reassured them. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people.”” (Luke 2:10 NLT) 

Joy can spring up in unlikely places. We can use our writing to share examples of this, to encourage our readers to look for joy in the small things, and to point them beyond their circumstances to the enduring joy that is found in Jesus. 

Love 

“God showed how much he loved us by sending his one and only Son into the world so that we might have eternal life through him.” (1 John 4:9 NLT) 

God sending Jesus into this broken world to save us and redeem us is the ultimate expression of love, but we can use our words (and our deeds) to help others know and experience something of that love. Our writing may tell of God’s love or it may show our love to others, letting them know that they matter and that we appreciate them. 

Our words may seem small and insignificant at times, but they can be powerful if we use them well. 

How do you share hope, peace, joy, and love through your writing? Feel free to share in the comments.  

Lesley Crawford blogs at Life In The Spacious Place and contributes regularly at Gracefully Truthful. She has written One Big Story, a Bible curriculum for school groups and contributed to various anthologies, including the ACW anthology, "Merry Christmas, Everyone" and "The Jesse Tree Anthology".

 

 

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