Christmas has always been my favorite time of year. It is especially fun when children are young. Who can resist the joy of seeing little loved onesā faces light up as they discover the thrill of an exciting new toy?
However, in todayās gadget-giddy world, when I shop, I am very careful to keep a second list: batteries! It seems everything needs batteries. You simply canāt pick up a toy without seeing that tiny print in the corner, ābatteries not included.ā I can just picture the pitiful scenario. I buy the perfect toy and wrap it beautifully. The child unwraps the toy and squeals in delight. Moments later, we discover that the toy, attractive and filled with potential, simply cannot do what it was made to do. I didnāt supply the batteries!
Becoming All that God Created You to Be
Full of Promise
When it comes to todayās toys, batteries are the equivalent of life or death. A toy may look appealing. It may have all kinds of bells and whistles and be packed full of promise. Yet, without batteries, it can’t do what it was designed to do.
In a way, we are like that toy. God created us for a purpose and filled us with promise. However, without “batteries” – the true Light of God – we remain only an empty shell of what we’re intended to be. Ever since Adam and Eve rebelled against God in that garden paradise so long ago, every human being born is spiritually dead: without light or true life. But praise God that He does not abandon us there. Through the gift of His Son, God came down from Heaven to fill us with His light and His love.
Embracing the Light
Jesus declared, āI am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.ā (John 8:12)
God desires to fill us with His Light and His loveāto fill us with Himself.
“But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions. For it is by grace you have been saved, through faithāand this not from yourselves, it is the gift of Godā not by works, so that no one can boast.” (Ephesians 2:4-8, selected)
Father: Thank You for the precious gift of Your Son. Thank You for giving me life through Christ even when I was dead in my sins. Help me, Lord, to walk in a manner worthy of You. Fill me with Your light and Your love as You send me into our lost and broken world – not only during Christmas but all the year through. Amen.
May our loving Lord bless you and yours this Christmas and through the year. Things may look different, but not one stroke of the pen in God’s Book has changed. He still reigns, He still saves, and He is still coming back. . .
Do you need some fresh ideas to help kick-start your Quiet Timeā? Get yourĀ FREEĀ guide: 7 Simple Ideas to Refresh Your Quiet Times plus unlock all premium resources in your FREE Bible Study Toolbox. If youāre looking for something more hands-on, I am also available for virtual coaching. May the Lord bless you as you seek to grow closer to Him!
Shadia is a passionate Bible teacher, award-winning author, and speaker with a heart for seeing lives transformed by the power of Godās Word. She holds a masterās in biblical and theological studies from Western Seminary and author of the powerful āBehind the Seenā Bible studies series, includingĀ RAHAB,Ā HAGAR,Ā TAMAR,Ā LEGION, andĀ Worthy of Love.
Great analogy here. May your Christmas be filled with the joy of the Lord!
Thank you for your spiritual insight.
Thank you Beverly! I’m so glad you enjoyed the article! May the Lord continue to bless you in your journey with Him!
Thank you, Judith! (I updated it to add Ephesians 2 – can’t believe I nearly missed that glorious passage!) Bless you and Merry Christmas!
Absolutely LOVE this! Thank you for this blessing.
Bless you, Holly! Thank you for your kind words. Iām so delighted the article ministered to you. š
Shadia I am very much interested in reading your book ” All That God Created You To Be” How can I get that as I have not found it on your sites. Thank You
Blessings, Elaine. Thank you for reaching out with your message. I am delighted that you enjoyed my blog article, “Becoming All that God Created You to Be” – this blog article is adapted from my Bible studies where I teach on the topic of who we are in Christ. While I do not have a book with this specific title, I would invite you to explore my Bible studies that center on our identity in Christ.
PS. The studies are currently on sale at https://shop.shadiahrichi.com
Blessings!
Shadia
Hi Shadia,
Iāve been in the hospital again and have felt too to read until today! I read your blog and was blessed by inclusion of verses to read. Iāve physically AND spiritually dehydrated more than I realized.
I listed to a pastor use a similar metaphor with electrical items. This was before the explosion of battery-powered toys and all the computerized toys.
What a highly accurate comparison to our Fatherās power. We can attempt to live under our own power, but when success comes our way, itās actually Him giving. Satan is incapable of giving anything good that isnāt painfully temporary.
We always need another reminder at Christmas time, when the whole world is pulling us from the real reason for the season.
Thank you and bless you!
Hi Linda,
We are sorry to hear of your hospital stay, but rejoice in the Lord to hear that you are feeling better. Thank you for your kind words and great insight. We are so grateful this article encouraged you!
Blessings!