I love a quote about light from the premier of Thomas Kinkade's The Christmas Cottage on the Lifetime network by the main character, Thomas Kinkaid. "That Christmas Eve, I realized that in the vast black night, even a "little" light shines brightly. And all we can do is to find that light and share it with others."

A poem. As I watched a recording of this movie, I posted "Why Christmas?" by Linda MIller on the BLESSED Journal. Linda continues to shine the light within her through her poetry. And though she may not realize it, her light shines brightly as she shares her gift of words with others. Thank you for another wonderful gift to us all, Linda.

A story. I hope and pray that others who read the BLESSED Journal and the BLESSED DiaBlog realize the importance of sharing the light within them with others. Whether or not you consider yourself a "writer" or not, your stories (or poetry) can be your gifts to others, too. In fact, they may be the light someone else needs to brighten their day with encouragement, humor, or a memory from the past.

A painting. In The Christmas Cottage, the character depicting artist Glen Wesman describes his painting, "Ultimum Folium" ("The Last Leaf," Latin), hoping to encourage another artist. "It's the light...that's what lasts. The leaves are transcient. They grow, turn green, turn red, and die. But behind them the light lasts forever...Paint the light!" Then, he adds, "Sometimes we can barely see beyond the forest to the sky. I was painting the leaves of the forest. I never saw the light of the sky behind it. Now, I see it! That's all I need to see now."

A photo. My friend, Mary Larmoyeux, shared this photo with us. I felt it depicted the light shining in the forest quite well, don't you? This proved to be another great example of how someone else can share their "little" gift of light and bless others in the process. Thank you, Mary!

A word. Sometimes we all fail to see beyond the dark circumstances around us, and we forget to share what little light we might have with others. I pray we all remember to share the "Light" that God has given us, especially as we share our faith and our stories this Christmas season.

"Don't give up...there's a light in you still!" (Thomas Kinkade's The Christmas Cottage).

"You are the light of the world...let your light shine before me, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven" (Matthew 5:14, 16 NIV)

Merry Christmas!

Karen

How would you define "the light of the world"? How can you share the "light" within you this Christmas season?