Time to Shine

“Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord rises upon you. See, darkness covers the earth and thick darkness is over the peoples, but the Lord rises upon you and his glory appears over you. Nations will come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn” (Isaiah 60:1-3).

Driving home from the Eastern Christian Conference on Sunday, I noticed a billboard with the words, “It’s your time to shine.” I think it was an ad for jewelry, but for me it was a reminder of what the weekend conference had been about—Arise! Shine! The theme was based on the Scripture passage from Isaiah 60. I listened to speakers encouraging Christians to be ambassadors for Christ in our dark world. The lost live in darkness and need the Light of the world. Christians reflect the Light of the world through the way they live their lives. It’s time to shine!

The Apostle Paul says it this way, “Wake up, O sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you. Be very careful, then how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil” (Ephesians 5:14-16). I have to ask myself, “Can the lost see Jesus in my actions?” It’s my time to shine!

This was the last year for the Eastern Christian Conference – a gathering of Christians from the Eastern part of the United States. It was a bittersweet weekend for me. Wayne had worked with this conference for years and many memories came to mind as I reconnected with friends through worship and fellowship. Dyke McCord led this grand finale, bringing together top-notch speakers and workshop leaders.  He chose Ken Meade to give the closing message Sunday morning. Ken brought it to a close with a celebration: Celebrate Christ, Celebrate the Church, Celebrate Christians, all with a joyful heart.  What a challenge! If every Christian did that daily  what a different world this would be!

It’s time to shine the light of Jesus!