by Desiree Bustamante

Christ nourishes us so we can bloom and be His fragrance of hope to anyone drowning in darkness.

You can listen to today’s devotion by clicking this Sound Cloud link.

“The Word gave life to everything that was created,
    and his life brought light to everyone.
The light shines in the darkness,
    and the darkness can never extinguish it.”
John 1:4-5 New Living Translation

Most flowers bloom in the daylight, soaking in the sun’s warmth. But the Moonflower blooms when night falls. Their large flowers unfurl in the evening and stay open until the sun rises in the morning, producing a sweet lemon fragrance that attracts bees and insects to feed on its pollen. The flowers and vines often grow so huge that the plant needs the support of a fence or trellis.

As children of Christ, we are set apart to love and serve Him. He is the one who gives us life. As we grow in Him, we can bloom in the darkest of circumstances, but we must cultivate a strong foundation through a flourishing relationship with Him. We will not fear the dark places, for our support structure is God’s Word and the Holy Spirit. Even if the moon and stars are hidden and no one can see our blooms in the bleakest, hopeless night, we still emit the sweet aroma of Christ that attracts others to Him.

This world can be such a dark place, yet through Christ’s strength we can point the way to the only light that gives everyone true hope, Christ’s light that will shine for eternity. Be a resilient bloom to others on this earth, in all seasons of your life.

Copyright Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado