Word of the Year

I wasn't going to have a 2024 "Word of the Year".  I've been doing this since about 2011 and I just wasn't "feeling" it this past month or so.  

But then, God........

Everywhere I looked, whether in the Bible, in an Advent devotional, or a song/hymn or Christmas carol, the word "Shine" was popping out at me.  

And God was speaking to my heart about how we are to shine the Light of Jesus in this dark world. Winter is a dark season.....and on those days that are gloomy, snow falling from grey skies, brown slush all around the roads, the woods dripping with ice and snow, how we long for the light......I'm known to my friends for being one who has to have a small lamp or candle shining in every room of the house, brightly, all winter long, especially on the grey days or when dusk settles down. 

So......SHINE it is!! 

And my Scripture of the Year is: 

This is a prophecy!  Arise and shine is a call for all Believers to get up from the spiritual darkness and shine our light in front of others.  The light of course comes because of Jesus....because of His redemption.  We are known by our love...and we love because of Him.  We are known by our deeds......and our deeds, when in service to Him, for His glory, will shine so others can see.  

It reminds me of the song from that super fun musical Godspell that we did in high school so many years ago.......

"You are the light of the world........so let your light so shine before men, let your light so shine...so that they might know some kindness again...."

and this song: 

and this Scripture: 

As we move forward into 2024, let's intentionally love others...let's show true kindness, and speak Truth.....and