This week is brought to you by the letter w, and the word word. Easy enough, right? I am obsessed with words. Obviously, we all are — it’s how we communicate. Language in its many forms is beautiful, complicated, and transformational.

4th grade at Bess T. Shepherd Elementary in Mrs.Campbell’s class we had a reading program to collect book bucks in order to purchase prizes. I loved to read therefore I came in at a close 2nd place. When given the option to choose a family dinner at an upscale restaurant downtown or a dictionary, I obviously selected the verbose reference book. Was there honestly another option? Not for this word-gal. 

Letters, symbols, words, and syllabaries are the foundation of all languages. People groups across the world and throughout time have used spoken and written communication to create, announce, and interact. Starting at the beginning.

[Then God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light. And God saw that the light was good. Then he separated the light from the darkness. God called the light “day” and the darkness “night.”] Genesis 1v3-5

The Creator of the universe used words. He spoke, and light was. In the vast and endless canopy of darkness, brilliance illuminated… well… everything. And nothing. No thing was yet formed but the voice of God shattered the absence with abundance.

It is no coincidence that Jesus — The Word made flesh — was born during the nightwatch within an obscure stable. Light in darkness. God has been communicating to us — His beloved — from the first “let there be light” to the eternal Light of the World.

His words hold weight, curiosity, glory, redemption, salvation, and hope. He instructs us with words. He allures us with words. He comforts us with words. He saves and sanctifies us with His Word. Flooding the shadows of suffering and sin in our lives with His Light.

This week consider how you can dig into His Word a little deeper and linger a little longer. It may be adding a Psalm or Proverb to your daily Scripture. Maybe take a snack break and munch on the goodness Jesus’ sermon on the mount in Matthew 5-7. Before bed, light up the darkness by savoring the faith heroes in Hebrews 11. Let the Word rest in your spirit and renew your mind — a little more today.

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grateful —