Category: Uncategorized

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New strength

Lesedauer 2 Minuten

There are days when we feel full of power and strength. We are motivated to achieve our goals and we tackle everyday tasks with ease and joy and we succeed in everything. However, some days we are weak and powerless, tired and without motivation.

There can be several reasons for this, maybe our balance between activity and rest has become unbalanced, we lack sleep or we have an unhealthy diet. It can also be that certain circumstances make us tired and keep our thoughts busy.

In order to regain our strength, we can pay attention to a healthy lifestyle, eat healthily, get enough sleep, move regularly and pay attention to what thoughts we give space in us. We can ask ourselves:

Who or what gives me strength?

Where can I recharge my batteries?

What strength do I live from?

When I lack strength and power, it helps me keep reminding myself that God is my strength. By believing in Jesus, the Holy Spirit and thus also his power lives in me. I don’t have to cope with my tasks on my own, God gives me his strength. Even when I am weak, God is my strength

. “My grace is all you need! Because it is precisely when you are weak that my power works especially on you ”2 Corinthians 12: 9

“Be strong in the Lord and in the power of his might” Ephesians 6:10

I can say: “God, you are my strength!”, “Jesus you are my strength!”

“But we carry this treasure in fragile clay vessels, as we are, so that it becomes clear that the supreme power comes from God and not from us” 2 Corinthians 4: 7

I can come to God and let Him strengthen me again and again. Spending quiet time with him, a walk with God to find peace again, communicating with him and reading the Bible, as well as praise and worship are my sources of strength and filling stations.

“But those who wait in the LORD get new strength, that they soar with wings like eagles, that they run and not get tired, that they walk and never tire. ”Isaiah 40:31

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Peace in the storm

Lesedauer 3 Minuten

The sun doesn’t shine every day. Every now and then it can be windy, stormy and uncomfortable. The clouds cover the blue sky, it gets dark, cloudy and cold. Severe storms can also be dangerous and cause damage, e.g. B. floods, mudslides, hurricanes, lightning or hail.

In our life, too, we often go through stormy times. We experience difficult times, circumstances and crises that cloud our view. Situations that are uncomfortable and threatening for us. The current situation around Corona is also like a storm that mixes everything up, one wave after another hits us. Many people struggle with uncertainty, doubts, fears, worries or hopelessness.

However, we do not have to become the playball of the waves in our storms of life and be helpless at the mercy of them, there is a way to keep calm and peace in the midst of difficult circumstances. I found this calm in the storm through community, my relationship with God. There is also a story in the Bible about a storm in which Jesus was on a boat with his disciples:

Jesus stills the storm

“When evening came, Jesus said to his disciples,“ We ​​want to go to the other side of the lake. Jesus was already in the boat. So the disciples released the crowd, got into the boat with him, and drove off. Several other boats went with them. But soon afterwards a violent storm arose and high waves pounded the boat until it was almost completely full of water. Meanwhile, Jesus was sleeping in the back of the boat with his head on a pillow. In their desperation they finally woke him up and shouted: “Teacher, don’t you mind that we perish?” Jesus woke up, threatened the wind and commanded the water: “Be silent!” Shut up! ‘Immediately the wind died down and there was a deep silence. And he asked the disciples, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith? ”Fearful they said to each other:“ Who is this man that even wind and waves obey him? ”

If we take Jesus with us on our ship of life, if he is our captain, if we believe and trust in him, we must not be afraid. Jesus has everything under control and he can work miracles at any time. Wind and waves obey him. We will not go down with Jesus in the boat. We can fix our eyes on him, ask him for help, and let him help us. We can keep our peace because God is with us and leads and guides us through the storms. God is greater than any storm that threatens us. We can find our rest in God, be hopeful and confident. It is our foundation and gives us support. Jesus brings us to the safe shore. He is the anchor in need.

“To know what an anchor is, we need the storm” Quote from Corrie ten Boom

Storms also have their positive sides. They make us aware that we cannot do everything on our own and that we need a savior. When we get weak, God is our strength.

“My grace is all you need. My strength is shown in your weakness ”2 Corinthians 12: 9

The storms also make us grow in faith and in our relationship with God.

When my heart trusts in you and look at your love I find peace, I find peace can I defeat storm and waves In the midst of turbulent times Your presence will always be with me. Even in the greatest uncertainty with you is peace always. My troubled heart becomes still and comes to rest for the God who keeps my peace is you. (Ulrike Nägele)

“Anyone who listens to what I have said and acts accordingly is wise. You can compare him to a man who builds his house on rocky ground. If a downpour comes down, the water rises, and the storm rattles the house, it will still not collapse because it is built on rock. ”Matthew 7: 24-25

“If you are safe from God before the storm, he will also take care of you during the storm” quote from Dèborah Rosenkranz

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Transformed like a butterfly

Lesedauer 2 Minuten

The last few days I was able to spot the first butterflies while walking. Butterflies are fascinating and beautiful. Their different colors and shapes make them unique. They spread their wings and fly with amazing ease.

It is also very interesting to think about how such a beautiful butterfly develops. He is not born that way, but actually undergoes a transformation. Their existence begins as an egg, which later turns into a caterpillar. This caterpillar grows and grows until a hard shell forms around its body. In the end it comes out of this shell as a butterfly. A new creation has arisen, a marvel of God.

Just as God can transforms a caterpillar into a butterfly, he can transform us humans into a new creation. As soon as we accept Jesus into our hearts by faith, something completely new begins in us. A process of transformation begins through relationship and fellowship with God. Jesus was born for us and paid for our debt with death on the cross. By believing in his sacrifice, we are cleansed and free

. “All who welcomed him and believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God” John 1:12

Faith in Jesus brings us back into fellowship with God and removes all separation. The more we become aware of his love for us, the more we experience his presence and closeness. God’s love changes our hearts. God’s love transformed:

  • Fear in courage
  • Sadness in joy
  • Heaviness in lightness
  • Doubt in faith
  • Hopelessness in confidence
  • Darkness in light
  • Worry in peace
  • Dissatisfaction in gratitude
  • Restlessness at rest
  • Bound in freedom
  • Death in life

In the encounter and relationship with God we can develop, blossom and discover our uniqueness.

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God doesn’t disappoint

Lesedauer 2 Minuten

Disappointment is the failure to fulfill a wish or an expectation. Disappointment describes the feeling that a hope has been shattered or unexpected grief has been caused. I think each of us has experienced minor or major disappointments in our lives. We are disappointed when a situation does not turn out the way we thought it would, when things turn out differently than expected. We can also be disappointed of other people if, they act differently than we expected or if promises are not kept. We can also be disappointed in ourselves, if we don’t achieve what we set out to do.

Disappointments are part of life and inevitable, because circumstances do not always go according to plan and unpredictable things happen. People will also disappoint us every now and then, because no one is perfect or flawless. In the same way we will consciously or unconsciously disappoint people, because it is not possible to fullfill all expectations.

Disappointment often also arises when we have wrong expectations or when we place our trust and our expectations in wrong things. Not everything and everyone who promises us something is trustworthy.

“If he trusts in values ​​that do not support him, he is deceiving himself, only disappointment will be his reward.” Job 15:31

What can we ultimately trust in? Whom can we trust unconditionally? Who or what is really wearing?

God alone is the one who can never let us down. He keeps his promises and what he says is certain. His word is truth and we can always rely on it. God does not make mistakes and we can trust him in every situation. If we confide in him, we don’t run the risk of being disappointed. God has a good plan for our life.

“Good for the man who trusts in you” Psalm 84:13

“Everything he does is perfect and just. He is a rock – you can always rely on him. He keeps what he promises; he is righteous and faithful. ”Deuteronomy 32: 4

God’s love for us is constant and always the same. Even when we go through challenges and difficult situations, it doesn’t mean that God has let us down. God has never promised us a life without suffering and difficulties, but he has promised that in the midst of these situations he will always be with us and with us and on this promise we can rely 100%.

“Christ says: See, I am with you all the days until the end of the world.” Matthew 28:20

“Then you will know that I am the Lord on whom one can hope without being disappointed.” Isaiah 49:23

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Do you believe in miracles?

Lesedauer 2 Minuten

What are miracles? Miracles are inexplicable phenomena and extraordinary events that astonish us. It can be a surprise, a happy turn in life, a cure, preservation or a natural wonder.

Whether we recognize and perceive miracles, depends on our point of view and above all on our faith. When we do not have faith, we take miracles as coincidences or luck, or we take for granted what is actually a miracle. We can live like nothing is a miracle or like everything is a miracle. Erich Kästner writes in a quote:

“Those who believe in miracles experience miracles”

When I look at the world and think about my life, everything is actually a miracle for me. Starting with the fact, that there is a huge galaxy with so many stars and planets, that there is the earth and life on it, to the miracle of man, who is made ingenious and unique. I think the lyrics of Alexa Feser’s song “Wunderfinder” are appropriate. She sings in the chorus:

“Are you a miracle child or blind to miracles? Tell me if you understand that we are a miracle. This world is getting more and more blind to miracles, if you can see them, you are a wonderfinder. “

If I keep my eyes open, I can discover miracles every day. For me miracles are signs of God’s presence and his actions. God shows himself in them and says to me “I am there”. Miracles happen, I just have to see them. Numerous miracles of God are reported in the Bible, in God’s Word:

Passage of the people of Israel through the Red Sea Exodus 16-22

Transformation of water into wine at the wedding in Cana John 2: 1-12

Calming the storm Markus 4.35-41

Jesus walks in the sea John 6: 16-21

Healing of the man born blind John 9: 1-7

Feeding the 5000 John 6: 1-15

Raising Lazarus from the dead John 11, 32-45

Jesus’ resurrection John 20, 1-10

Signs and wonders still happen today.

“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever” Hebrews 13: 8

Where our possibilities end, God’s possibilities begin. Our hopelessness is the starting point for God’s work. Faith is the key to experiencing miracles. God is supernatural and responds to our beliefs.

“All things are possible to him who believes” Mark 9:23

Therefore, let’s expect miracles and be thankful for miracles great and small that God does every day.

  • Every time the sun comes up a miracle happens
  • Every time I watch nature I see a miracle
  • Every time a child is born a miracle happens
  • Every time people reconcile, forgive one another, a miracle happens
  • Every time a prayer is answered a miracle happens
  • Every time we experience protection a miracle happens
  • Every time God gives us his peace, a miracle happens
  • Every time God frees us from worries and burdens, a miracle happens
  • Every time God opens new doors for us, shows us new possibilities, a miracle happens
  • Every time people understand God’s love and accept His grace, a miracle happens
  • It is God who works miracles, innumerable many, so great that we cannot understand them

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The good sheperd

Lesedauer 3 Minuten

A shepherd takes care of his sheep. He knows all of his animals. He looks after them and guards them, and if he has lost one he follows him until he finds it again. In doing so, he often risks his life. He takes the lost sheep on his shoulder and carries it home, to the safety. He leads his flocks of sheep on lush meadows and to fresh water, he goes ahead of them. He grazes his sheep and does not leave them alone. With his shepherd’s staff he protects them from danger and wild animals. He cares for the sick and weak sheep. The shepherd knows what his sheep need.

The sheep know their shepherd and follow him. Sheep who have lost their shepherd wander around disoriented. They search protection, guidance, direction, and supply. Sheep need a shepherd; they can rely on him. With their shepherd and in the flock of sheep, they have everything they need.

There are good and bad shepherds. A good shepherd loves animals and does his job well. Every single sheep is important to him and if he loses one, he looks for it until he has found it again. A bad shepherd works mainly to get his wages; the sheep are less important to him. He does not risk himself to find a single sheep that has been lost because he still has many in his flock.

We humans also need such a good shepherd who knows us and whom we know. There are situations, circumstances in life in which we wander around like the sheep, in which we feel lost and disoriented, lost our way and are exposed to danger. We can no longer get any further alone and long for security, protection, care, direction, orientation, guidance .

But who is this good shepherd and how can we distinguish one good shepherd from the many bad shepherds? In the Bible in John 10, 11-16 Jesus says:

I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd sacrifices his life for the sheep. A shepherd who only works for wages runs away when he sees a wolf coming. He will abandon the sheep because they do not belong to him and he is not their shepherd. And so the wolf attacks them and disperses the herd. The paid worker runs away because he has only been recruited and the sheep are not really close to his heart. I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and they know me, just as my father knows me and I know the father. I give my life for the sheep. I have other sheep that are not in this pen. I must bring them here too, and they will listen to my voice; and all will be one flock with one shepherd “

Jesus is the good shepherd who cares for us and knows what we need. He knows us and loves each and every one of us. Everyone is valuable and important to him. HE is our provider who gives us everything we need. HE takes care of us and goes after everyone who has got lost, who no longer knows the way and has lost orientation, and is on the search. HE is the source of life that quenches all thirst and hunger. He always wants to be with us. HE is our protection from the dangers of the world, our security, our home. And HE leaves his life for us so that we don’t get lost, but are saved.

There are many bad shepherds in the world who lead us astray and fail to keep their promises. Who do you want to follow? I invite you to open your heart for the true good shepherd and get to know him. So he will provide you with everything you need. He gives you love, security, security, protection, care, guidance, orientation, guidance and direction.

The Good Shepherd A song by David. The Lord is my shepherd, I will lack nothing. He grazes me on lush meadows and leads me to fresh springs. He gives me new strength. He guides me safely and lives up to his name. Even if it goes through dark valleys, I fear no misfortune, for you, Lord, are with me. Your staff gives me protection and comfort. You invite me and set the table for me in front of my enemies. You greet me like a householder his guest and fill my mug to the brim. Your kindness and love accompany me day after day; I can stay in your house all my life. Psalm 23

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Be merciful as your Father is merciful

Lesedauer 3 Minuten

What does it mean to be merciful? A merciful person is someone, who opens his heart to others, who takes part in the suffering and need of others and helps. Mercy sees and perceives its neighbor and can empathize with others. A character trait that we urgently need in our society. We need people who not only think of themselves and their own benefit, who do not primarily have their own well-being in mind, but are also there for others and love those who are not doing so well.

“Be merciful as your Father is merciful!” Jesus urges us in Luke 6:36.

This verse led me to think about the difference between divine and human mercy. God’s mercy is much greater and goes much further than our human mercy. He is the Father of Mercy, that is how he is described in the Bible. He is the merciful and gracious God. The story of the prodigal son expresses his mercy:

A father has two sons. The younger son demands his inheritance from his father. As soon as he receives it, he moves away and squanders the money abroad. Sunk into a beggar, he works as a swineherd and is so hungry that he longs ruefully back for his father’s house and resolves to confess his sin to his father and ask him for a job as a laborer. When he actually returns home, the father is so happy about his son’s return that he hardly lets him finish and takes him back straight away. He dresses him festively and throws a big party. When the older son, who has served the father faithfully all along, complains about the behavior of the father, the latter replies: “My child, you are always with me, and everything that is mine is also yours. But now we have to be happy and have a party; for your brother was dead and is alive again; he was lost and has been found again ”. You can read the whole story here: Luke 15: 11-32

God’s mercy is an undeserved but generous giving in unconditional love, it is therefore a gift. God turns to the repentant Son in love, with a gracious, forgiving look. He does not judge him or punish him for his faults and guilt. So God rejoices in every person, in every sinner who repents and comes home to the Father. God is merciful and kind even to people who stray astray, walk ungodly ways in order to lead them back to God’s fatherly love. How can we ourselves be merciful like the Father and live mercy in our everyday lives? Our mercy is limited by our own human power. As long as someone is kind to us, we are there for others, but what if we are hurt or treated badly? Being good to people from whom we do not expect good is not easy. When we help, we expect help in return; when someone hurts us, we tend to have negative feelings like vengeance rather than mercy. From a human perspective, mercy is mostly conditional. Divine mercy, on the other hand, gives without expecting anything in return, cannot be earned, but is a gift. Divine mercy is always ready to forgive, it is unconditional and does not attribute faults.

“And if you love those who love you, what thanks do you have? For also love the sinners who love them. And if you do good to those who do you good, what kind of gratitude do you have? The sinners do the same too. And if you lend to those from whom you hope to receive again, what gratitude do you have? Sinners also loan sinners so that they may receive the same thing again. But love your enemies and do good and lend without hoping for anything again! And your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High; for he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. ”Luke 6, 32-35

In order to practice such mercy in our lives, we must first have experienced mercy from God ourselves. Experienced mercy of God fills us with thanks and joy. When we understand that we need God’s mercy, that we are weak and in need of help and salvation, and the great sacrifice God has made for us, then we can be merciful ourselves.

“For God loved the world so much that he gave his only Son so that whoever believes in him should not perish, but have eternal life” John 3:16

“Because God is so gracious, he saved you by faith. And that is not your own merit; it is a gift from God ”Ephesians 2.8

“Yet God is so merciful and loved us so much that he gave new life to us who were dead through our sins with Christ when he raised him from the dead. Only by the grace of God were you saved. ”Ephesians 2: 4-5

When we accept the gift of his mercy for ourselves, we grow in the desire to pass this gift on to our fellow human beings, and through the power of the Holy Spirit working within us, we can do so too.

“Happy are the merciful, for they will experience mercy.”Matthew 5: 7

“Good things and mercy will follow me all my life, and I will abide in the house of the Lord forever.” Psalm 23: 6

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A new year

Lesedauer 2 Minuten

This year is going to end. We pause, look back at the past and think about good resolutions and plans for the new year.

If we look back on the old year, it must have been an extraordinary year for most of us. It was associated with new challenges, difficulties, changes, limitations and insecurities. Much of what we took for granted was no longer possible.

I also asked myself :

  • What can I be thankful for?
  • What was good? What challenges did I have to face?
  • What does God want to show me?
  • What was I happy about?
  • What made me sad?
  • Which changes have there been?
  • What has become important to me?
  • Where did I grow, what did I learn?
  • What must I learn?
  • What do I plan for the coming year?
  • What goals do I want to achieve and implement?
  • What wishes and visions do I have?
  • What plan does God have for my life?

Looking back on the past year, through all circumstances, there was one constant for me, one security, one unshakable truth:

“Immanuel, God is with us”

God was with me in all challenges, difficulties, changes, limitations and insecurities. God was with me in joy and sorrow. God was with me in my success and in my failure. God was with me in my wishes, visions and plans. God was there always and everywhere and so it was a good year for me. To look to Jesus, to look to him in all things, has filled my heart with peace, a supernatural peace that the world does not know.

“Don’t worry about anything, just pray about everything. Tell God what you need and thank him. You will experience God’s peace, which is greater than our human minds can ever comprehend. His peace will keep your hearts and minds in faith in Jesus Christ ”Philippians 4: 6-7

Thankful for his love and loyalty, his guidance, I want to go into the new year.

“Praise the Lord, my soul, and do not forget what good he has done you” Psalm 103: 2

Trusting in Jesus I can look to the future with hope and confidence and use my time wisely for everything that is really important. The past year also offered the opportunity to reflect on it and to realign our own priorities.

“Love God and your neighbor as yourself” Matthew 22, 37-39

“Seek first after the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and everything else will be added to you.” Matthew 6:33

I wish you all a blessed new year with confidence in God, hope, faith, gratitude and with his peace in heart.

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The greatest present

Lesedauer 3 Minuten

Giving presents is usual at Christmas night. We are happy when we receive presents and also like to make our family and friends happy. Gifts are a sign of love. The most beautiful presents are not the most expensive, but those that come from our heart. Time spent together, a good thought and the knowledge that someone is thinking of me are much more valuable presents to me than anything material.

But where does the custom come from that we give each other presents at Christmas? I did some research and found out that Martin Luther introduced this tradition. Originally, Christmas was not associated with giving. St. Nicholas used to bring presents on December 6th. Luther shifted this tradition to Christmas in the 16th century. On the one hand, because, as is well known, he did not think too much of the adoration of saints. On the other hand, he emphasized that the birth of Jesus Christ in the stable in Bethlehem is God’s greatest gift to us humans. Luther thought that when children receive a real, tangible present for Christmas, they are visibly reminded of God’s present. The message becomes “more tangible” for them. So it happened that today we give each other presents at Christmas.

The birth of Jesus is God’s greatest present to us humans. God gives himself, becomes human, in order to meet us and to be close to us. We are not indifferent to him, God is with us. Jesus! In him is love, forgiveness, grace, joy, light, healing, peace, reconciliation, security, hope and eternal life. And we can only accept this gift with our heart, accept it in our hearts.

“And the angel said to them: Do not be afraid! For, behold, I tell you great joy, which will be for all the people. For a Savior has been born to you today, who is the Lord Christ in David’s city ”Luke 2:10

The child in the manger is growing up and has a mission to fulfill. He is the Savior and Redeemer of the whole world.

“For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that all who believe in him should not perish, but have eternal life” John 3:16

The prophet Isaiah foretold his gift to us more than 700 centuries before the birth of Jesus:

  • The “wonderful advisor”: Jesus guides and leads us through every situation and circumstance, he is our light. He can even work miracles for us.
  • The “strong God”: In Jesus we recognize the essence of God, his power, strength and omnipotence.
  • The “Eternal Father”: Through Jesus we have reconciliation with God and access to God the Father.
  • The “Prince of Peace”: Jesus brings peace between God and man. He gives us his peace that the world does not know.

Finally, with a short Christmas story, I wish everyone a Merry Christmas. Let us be fullfilled with the love of God and his priceless present to us.

The dream (author unknown)

Around Christmas a boy had a memorable dream. In it Jesus spoke to him and asked him for three presents. The boy immediately offered him his new piece of clothing, his electric train and his beautiful picture book. “No,” replied Jesus, “I don’t need any of that. I wish something different from you. Give me your last essay! ” – The boy was frightened: “But the teacher gave this essay a five!” – «That’s exactly why I want it. Bring me everything that is signed with “failed”. “Then give me your breakfast cup” – “But I broke it! “-” Do you want to give me everything that is broken and destroyed in your life? ” “Here is my third wish: I want you to bring me the answer you gave your mom when she asked you to bring her that cup.” – “But I lied and claimed that it fell down, although I had deliberately thrown it down.” – “Yes, I know,” answered Jesus. “Bring me all your lies, your disobedience, the bad you’ve done so that I can help you, forgive you, heal you and change you.” When the little boy woke up from this dream, it was suddenly clear to him why God became a man and why Christ was born as Savior of the world: To be able to change everything that has failed, destroyed and bad in us, and instead of it give us the wonderful present of eternal life.

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Be light

Lesedauer 3 Minuten

Lights are one of the pre-Christmas traditions. Our streets and houses are lit and full of lights. We light a new candle on the Advent wreath every week and the Christmas tree is also decorated with shining lights.

We should not forget what is the meaning behind it and be aware of what the light reminds us of. All the lights that we light for Christmas bear witness to Jesus, who came into the world as light. He is the source of light, the light itself, the light of the world that illuminates our darkness. Its light shines brighter than the sun and illuminates our path.

“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light on my way. Psalm 119: 105

There is light in him and there is no darkness in him. God becomes human, gives himself and fills our life with his light, his love, his hope, his peace. Filled with its light, we shine and can become lights ourselves.

“You used to be darkness; but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light. ”Ephesians 5: 8

In connection with him, if we stay in him, we can bring and be light because he provides us in abundance. In his presence our lights will not go out, but will flare up again and again. If we try to be and give light on our own, after a while we will tire and burn out and have no more energy. Just as a lamp has to be connected to the energy source in order to shine, so we have to be connected to God’s light source. How important this connection is for us, Jesus describes in the parable of the vine and the branch:

Jesus said to his disciples: “I am the true vine. Stay in me, then I stay in you. Just as the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, but only if it remains on the vine, so you cannot bear fruit either if you do not abide in me; I am the vine, you are the branches. Whoever remains in me and in whom I remain brings rich fruit; because apart from me you can do nothing. If you stay in me and if my words stay in you, then ask for whatever you want: you will receive it. ”And further Jesus says:“ As the Father loved me, I also loved you. Stay in my love! I ask you this: Love one another! ”

To remain in his love and to bring to the world his love is the mission that Jesus gives us. Don’t hide our light, but put it on a candlestick so that everyone can see it. How can we be light for others? We can be light by giving ourselves away. Here is a short story:

Story of a candle “Now you’ve lit me and look into my light. You rejoice in my brightness, in the warmth that I give. And I am happy that I can burn for you. If not, I might be lying around in an old box – no use. I only get meaning through burning. But – I know only too well – the longer I burn, the shorter I become, the more I am inclined to my end. You will say “burned down” and throw away what is left of me. I know there are always these two options for me: Either I stay in the box – untouched, forgotten, in the dark – or else, I’m burning, getting shorter, giving everything I have in favor of light and warmth. So I am bringing about my own end. And yet, I think it’s nicer and more sensible to be able to give something away than to stay cold and lie in the gloomy box …

With this in mind, I wish everyone a Merry Christmas and I wish all of us that we will again and again become aware that the light of Jesus lives in us. So let us shine for others too by:

  • giving presents to our fellow human beings
  • offering practical help
  • praying for one another
  • blessing each other
  • passing on good thoughts
  • encouraging others
  • giving away our smile
  • giving our time write or call a letter / card
  • visiting lonely and sick people
  • listening to each other
  • Inviting someone
  • telling about Jesus, the light of the world

“Get up, be light; because your light is coming and the glory of the Lord is on you! ”Isaiah 60: 1

“You are the light of the world. The city on a hill cannot be hidden. Matthew 5:14 “

“For this is how the Lord commanded us:” I have made you the light of the Gentiles, that you may be salvation to the end of the earth. “” Acts 13:47

“But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy people, a people owned, that you should proclaim the benefits of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.” 1 Peter 2: 9