“For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light.”—Ephesians 5:8

In our world today, there is a lot of darkness. Through the Holy Spirit living in us, we can illuminate it by imparting the light of Jesus through our words and actions. When we shine brightly, people see Christ in our lives. Let us use this Christmas season as an opportunity to be the light of Christ.

December is the ideal month to start giving gifts to let people know you are thankful for what they do. While I do this year-round, if it isn’t something you are used to doing, now is the perfect time to start. The more you do it, the easier it is to do it on a regular basis.

The Holy Spirit flows through my hands and prayers while I am knitting gifts. As I knit, I am being filled up so that I can share both the gift I am making and pour out His love to others. Most of the time I make an item not knowing who is going to receive it. This is especially true with the red/green hair scrunchies I will be gifting this month.

My prayers aren’t always when I am making something. Obviously, if I am watching TV or talking in my knitting circle it isn’t happening. However, before I tag it, I will pray over it. I ask God to guide me to the right scripture to attach to it as well as for Him to lead me to the right person. For this month’s gifts, Isaiah 9:6 will be on my tag. I may even put an invite to our church’s Christmas Eve service with it too.

Of course, I give knit gifts away, but it can be anything. I heard a story from a man on the radio that said, he will randomly leave an envelope of money in someone’s grocery cart when they aren’t looking with a note to buy themselves a gift. You could so something similar same with a card enclosing a scripture, word of encouragement and a prayer. It can include a gift card, but I know that may not be in the budget. Writing a note or telling someone you are praying for them may seem insignificant, but it isn’t in God’s eyes.

I have no idea what someone is going through when I give them one of my knit gifts. It isn’t the physical gift itself that touches them, but knowing someone notices them and they matter. This could be exactly what they need in that moment of their day. We might not get to witness the impact our brief interaction had, but I have to believe giving a gift or speaking words of life to a stranger will make a difference in their day.

When I respond to those nudges, God draws me into His bigger story. Trusting God when His nudges seem unusual aren’t for me to question. It may not make sense at the time, but God is inviting us to be a part of someone’s story. Yes, we may miss opportunities, but don’t let that stop you. Each day God give us another chance to listen to Him tapping on our heart to share His love and light with someone He puts in our pathway.

• Father God,
  Thank You for the light of Christ in me that enables me to be a light bearer to point someone to You. I ask for my heart be sensitive to Your nudges. Prepare hearts for people to receive Jesus this Christmas season. Help me to shine bright Your love through my words and actions. Opens eyes and hearts to where you are leading them to shine. I pray this in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen.

December Verse

“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”—Isaiah 9:6

If you are knitting or crocheting gifts to give away, please make sure you tweet @KnitPrayShare or share your projects on the Knit, Pray, Share Facebook page or Instagram using the hashtag #KnitPrayShare. Be sure to attach a tag to whatever gift you make