May Your Heart Be Light This Season - iBelieve Truth: A Devotional for Women - December 10, 2024

"For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) and find out what pleases the Lord." Ephesians 5:8-10

Last night my family and I laid underneath our Christmas tree and just looked up. It was such a magical moment as we became immediately enthralled by all the twinkling lights and glistening glow that our beautiful tree produced. But from that angle, I also got the advantage of seeing this season in a whole new light – literally. It was as if in a blink of an eye, this ten-year-old girl in me came out and sparked this playful side. Maybe because it brought back memories of my sister and me begging our parents to let us sleep under the Christmas tree. An experience that led to endless giggles and devising a plan to catch Santa!

Honestly, I’m saddened at how we tend to get so serious and a bit more cynical as we age. It could be because life has a way of bringing stress and factors that force us to see the brutal and harsh realities of this life. Could it be that wisdom has a sly way of stealing our youth? But, then again, that’s what makes Christmas so special, as it creates this sweet opportunity to embrace our inner child. It’s as if this wonderous and meaningful time of year is whispering to our hearts not to take these magical moments for granted.

So, let me ask you, “When was the last time you really enjoyed Christmas?” As in, you felt your heart be light and embraced the pure beauty of this season like a carefree child?

Yes, I get that sounds easier said than done. After all, it’s ever so easy to get swept away in the lengthy to-do list and aim to create those special memories for our children. It might even be fun at times and deeply meaningful as we help our children shift their eyes onto the real meaning of Christmas. However, if we are just going through the motions, we are really missing out. More importantly, we are missing the point!

Sweet sister, let’s get to the heart of the issue here! When God created us (His most prized possession) He gave us a vital organ that not only fuels our inner thoughts, strokes our emotions, and gives us life, but ultimately connects us to Him, our Creator! The best part is that God yearns to capture our attention, and He does so by softly calling us to Him, reminding us of our worth and identity, and infiltrating every beat of our hearts with His unwavering love. 

But, because we are imperfect humans, our heart, in its natural form, due to sin, is inherently evil and deceitful (Jeremiah 17:9). Yes, the concept of our heart is rather complex indeed. Yet, when we become children of God, our hearts lead us to live differently. This is exactly why Jesus’ teachings tell us to have faith like a child (Matthew 18:3-4) because children are so receptive to trusting God and taking Him at His Word. And they just blindly believe!

So, this Christmas, would you join me in striving to see this season through the eyes of a child? Go on and hone in your child-like faith by choosing to see God’s beauty in the simple moments. Whether you lay under your Christmas tree with your own little people, make a mess in the kitchen baking cookies with your grandchildren, or drive around looking at the sparkling lights, may your heart be light, your faith be big, and your joy abound!

Let's pray:

Gracious God, as we come into this beautiful season filled with all the glitter and twinkling lights, let us not lose sight of the wonders of Your love. Open our hearts to receive Your presence through precious and tender moments, helping us embrace our faith as an innocent child. May we share Your kindness, goodness, righteousness, and truth with all those we dearly love. Help us be bold enough to trust that You will show us those in need of Your mercy, grace, and love. May our hearts be light as we take every opportunity to become enamored by the little things and be intentional with how we see You shine through it all. Thank you, God, for this season—the unfiltered hope, radiant joy, and ultimate gift You so graciously gave us in Your Son, Jesus. Thank you, God, for everything! Amen. 

Photo Credit: ©Getty Images/MinoruM

Alicia Searl is a devotional author, blogger, and speaker that is passionate about pouring out her heart and pointing ladies of all ages back to Jesus. She has an education background and master’s in literacy.  Her favorite people call her Mom, which is why much of her time is spent cheering them on at a softball game or dance class. She is married to her heartthrob (a tall, spiky-haired blond) who can whip up a mean latte. She sips that goodness while writing her heart on a page while her puppy licks her feet. Visit her website at aliciasearl.com and connect with her on Instagram and Facebook.

Related Resource: Jesus Calling - Stories of Faith

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Inspired by Sarah Young's classic devotional book, the Jesus Calling podcast has brought encouragement and peace to millions. New episodes drop every Thursday! Listen today on LifeAudio.com or wherever you find your podcasts.