The doldrums of winter have started to take hold of us. We put away our Christmas decorations and with it our spirit of joy. Living on fire is a far thought from our minds. Consequently we forget we  are living in embers.

Isn’t that unfair to Jesus?

We pull out all the good will and joy we have for the Christmas season, and pack it away with the decorations on the day we celebrate his baptism.

John the Baptist said that the Messiah would “baptize with the Holy Spirit and with fire.” Fire in biblical times was associated with God and with his action in the world and in the lives of his people. God often manifested his presence by use of fire, such as the burning bush which was not consumed when God spoke to Moses (Exodus 3:2).

Jesus came to give us the fire of his Spirit that we may radiate the joy and truth of the Gospel to a world in desperate need of God’s light and truth. His word has power to change and transform our lives that we may be lights pointing others to Christ. Like John the Baptist, we too are called to give testimony to the light and truth of Jesus Christ.

Do you want the Lord’s power, grace, and love to burn brightly in your life?

First, ask him to fill you with his Holy Spirit. Stoke the flame of hope and life. Focus your thoughts on living his love out loud and not mulling through the day.

Being alive in Christ describes a heartfelt relationship with Jesus Christ.  Your relationship is cemented when one you faithfully commit to Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior and the sole means of salvation and eternal life in Heaven.

In reality, the most thrilling and most exciting thing in the entire world is Christian faith. The most wonderful thing a person can ever have and share is a living, vital faith!  In fact, no one ever accused the first Christians of being bores. They were accused of many other things – being absurdly happy, getting too excited, getting upset, and doing some thrilling things.

We are in the beginning of a new year. Finally, let’s march forth alive in faith and joy and be as bright as the Christmas lights you boxed up.