Arise, shine; for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD has risen upon you. Isaiah 60:1

My mother used to come into the bedroom I shared with my sister and announce, "Rise and shine!" I knew what the rise meant, but I never quite understood the shine part. What does it mean to shine? Does it mean to let the inner spirit of your being project a light? Does it mean to light up your face with a smile? Does it mean to pledge that day to do good works that will show that you are walking in the light of Christ? What does it mean?

Jesus told us to let our light shine before others so that they might see our good works and glorify God. Well, maybe now we are on to somthing. Our good works create the shine. Perhaps Mama was telling us to get up and do some good works. Get up and help somebody today. Get up and make a difference in the world.

I wonder how many of us rise without any intention of letting our lights shine. I really wonder how many of us have no light. How many of us know the source of light? When there is no light, we walk in darkness, but we cannot benefit from the light, if we do not know where it comes from. The light comes from Christ. He is the source of our light. Every day we should rise seeking His light and letting it shine in our lives.

So, tell me, what will you do today that will let your light shine? Will you study the word and learn more about the light? Will you pray for others that they will see the light? Will you reach out and touch someone who is lonely or sick or homeless? How will you shine today?

Arise, let your light shine!

Lord, we cannot rise and shine without you. Be in us in every way today. Amen.

excerpt from Rising with God: Inspiration to Start Your Day by Marjorie L. Kimbrough. Copyright©2011 by Abingdon Press. Used with permission. Order information below.