Serving the High Plains
Serving the High Plains
Religon Columnist
“Ye are the light of the world”. Matthew 5:14
In my last column I discussed how to have a stress-free holiday season. I am already making a list of priorities for the season. At the very top of the list are the people who are most important to me. Spending time with them is more important than gifts, decorating, cooking, or any “thing”. My favorite memories of holidays always involves a person rather than a gift or activity.
I know there are many people who can’t or won’t plan for the upcoming holidays due to an empty chair at their table. Losing a loved one changes the holidays forever. There are many special people in my life who are no longer with us but I try to keep their memories alive by focusing on those special people who are still with us. Spend time with these people who are hurting, especially those who are all alone.
This world and the people in it experience their share of darkness. It isn’t just the time change or the shorter days that send us into darkness, but life itself. Does that mean we have to resort to artificial light to help the doldrums? No, it means we need to seek the real Son light, Jesus Christ.
In John 8:12, Jesus said, “I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life”. We don’t have to live in darkness, but can live in the light and peace of Jesus.
For those Christians who live in the light of Jesus, it is important to not keep it to themselves. Jesus told His disciples in Matthew 5:15: “ Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house”.
Sharing what Jesus has done in our lives is the first step to letting that light shine out in a dark world. It is important to share how Jesus took you out of that darkness and into the light. We need to fight Satan’s nudging to keep it hid out of sight.
What about living the walk instead of just talking the talk? How do you treat others? Are you the light or are you a thunderstorm? The next time you are in a long checkout line, turn to the person next to you and say something nice instead of complaining how long you are waiting. When you are in a restaurant and the waitress is slow getting your meal to you, don’t chew her out for something that isn’t her fault.
Talking is easy, but what about getting out of your comfort zone and doing something. Volunteer to help your favorite cause or charity. Volunteers are already planning to make salads and desserts or serve at the community Thanksgiving Dinner. Monetary donations are always welcome for the Angel Christmas trees or to the Christmas baskets for the needy. If that isn’t for you, the Route 66 Museum needs volunteers to greet travelers. For someone who is willing, there are plenty of opportunities.
At the top of your holiday list this year, put people first. Matthew 5:16 sums it up so well: “ Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven”.
Debra Whittington is a longtime resident of Tucumcari. Contact her at: