Campfire: First Evening

The evening air is a bit nippy, so let's gather around the campfire. I've brought some s'mores fixings that we can pass around--plenty of marshmallows, graham crackers, and of course chocolate!

Speaking of chocolate, I also thought I'd bring a few cookies. (Nobody's counting calories, right? Besides, we'll be getting a good workout on the water tomorrow paddling in rafts and canoes!) I recently tried some Laceys, which are "crunchy almond wafers sandwiched with velvety dark chocolate." Oh. my. goodness! I never thought I'd fall in love with them, especially because I'm so picky, but they are fabulous!

And Michelle C., since it's your birthday today feel free to help yourself to as many cookies and s'mores as you want! ;) Anybody up for joining me in a rousing rendition of "Happy Birthday"?

Now, last year at Camp Humility our first evening included a devotional on the Light, since we were spending time around the light of a campfire. I'd like to discuss light again tonight.

It is said of Jesus in John 1:4-5 that "in him was life; and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not."

Last night I finished reading Pompeii: City on Fire by T.L. Higley (you can read my review on Amazon.com). What a powerful read! And you know why it was so moving? Because it depicted the reality of the darkness of evil and suffering in the world, but it also depicted the light of a life secure in the Messiah--a light that seems incomprehensible as it shines brightly in the face of death and pain. It was a heartbreaking and frightening read (especially because I'm afraid of volcanoes), but it was beautiful because faith was not extinguished even when the earth spewed forth molten rocks, lava flowed, and evil tried (but failed) to take control.

I'd like to share a quote from a pocket inspirational called Jesus, Name Above All Names by Roy Lessin regarding Jesus as "The True Light"--

"God still guides seeking hearts to the one true Light. As the world around us grows darker, the light of Jesus Christ shines even brighter. He is the Light of truth, of hope, of purity, and of beauty. That Light shines through the faces of those who know Him, through the eyes of those who see Him, through the character of those who walk with Him, and through the hearts of those who love Him."

As we watch the flames of this campfire, let us take a moment to remember that the Light we believe in will never fade, and the darkness of this world--the trials we go through, the pain we endure, the sorrow we face--will never be able to overcome that Light. In fact, we can see the Light more clearly when it shines in the darkness.

And isn't a wonderful comfort and honor to know that God can use His followers to share that Light with others?

Christmas in July: Evening Five

One tradition I have loved in the past is the Christmas Eve Candlelight Service. The time of fellowship at church is wonderful, spending time in God's Word and reminding ourselves of what Christmas is really all about.

What I especially love is the image presented when the candles are lit. It all starts with the one bright candle, up in front for all to see. The flame of that one candle lights the first couple of candles, and then that flame is shared until the whole room is shining with the light of many candles.

What a beautiful picture! And in the same way, Jesus was the Light that came into the world to set all those who would believe on fire for Him. Take a look at these words from John 1:6-13:

"There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe. He was not the Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light. That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world. He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not. He came unto his own, and his own received him not. But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God."

Jesus was the Light that came to offer us grace and bring us hope by believing in Him. May we share the light we have been given with others. We did not create the flame--for Jesus Himself is the true Light--but may the Lord use us to pass it along. May the glow of many candles come before God!

(The pictures above are of my grandparents' house at Christmas. My uncle really goes all out when it comes to decorating! Oh, and can everyone see the background now?)