The Incarnation and the Exultation: An Advent Devotional - Fourth Sunday of Advent Theme for the Week: God’s Gift of Joy!
To the Ends of the Earth: Character – Week 4, Day 2 - We Live the Example of Christ in All We Do
Photo by David Tomaseti on Unsplash
“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do men light a lamp and put it under a bushel, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.”
Matthew 5:14–16
Many of us believe the lie that we are not good enough to serve Jesus Christ. It is true that on our own, we fall infinitely short of heaven, but Christ has made us worthy. In him we become lights shining in a darkened world. We are not called merely to follow Christ but also to be like him in everything we do. He has set the example, and it is our task to follow him, relying on his grace.
Through the cross, Jesus, the Light of the World, has made us members of his Body. Joined to him, we are lights shining for all the world to see. The One who walked the road to Calvary with perfection has made it possible for us to be his ambassadors — his examples — to all people everywhere. We will never be good enough in our own strength, but we are commanded to cooperate with God’s grace, which makes us truly strong. As we imitate Christ in his life and death, we allow the Gospel to shine through us, and we become light to others, bringing the radiance of Christ to all the world and giving glory to our heavenly Father.
Questions for Reflection
Do you struggle to believe that Christ could want you to serve him? If so, why?
What is one area of your life where you could seek to imitate Christ more fully?
Do you let the light of Christ in your life shine for others? What practical steps can you take to make that light brighter? Are there specific areas of your life, or the lives of those close to you, that could use some of that light?
Praying with Scripture
. . . for once you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord; walk as children of light (for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true). (Eph 5:8–9)
You can learn more about the To the Ends of the Earth Series HERE
You can watch and listen to this devotion HERE
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About the Author
Mark C. McCann is an author and Ministry Consultant with more than 30 years of writing and ministry experience. He has published articles for a number of Catholic magazines and websites including St. Anthony Messenger, Emmanuel Magazine, Liguorian Magazine, Catholic Stand, the Connecticut Catholic Men's Conference, and Homiletic and Pastoral Review. He recently published the 4-volume Catholic men's devotional, To the Ends of the Earth, as well as the 2021 Advent Daybreaks devotional and 2022 Lenten Daybreaks devotional with Liguori Publishing. He has also released his End Times novel series, Jacob's Dream: The Vision and Jacob's Dream: The Final Battle. He was a radio host and producer for 8 years at a Connecticut Christian radio station and has worked as a Catholic religion teacher/campus minister and a parish youth minister. He has also served the Norwich, CT Diocese as a Youth Ministry Director and Family Life Director. He currently lives in Connecticut with his Proverbs 31 wife, where together they have brought up three incredible children. He strives each day to live out his call to be a man of words. You can learn more about Mark and his writing at www.wordsnvisions.com.
