“Whoever gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones in the name of a disciple – truly I tell you, none of these will lose their reward.” – Matthew 10:42

Today I give a cup of cold water. As a disciple of Jesus Christ, this means I extend myself for other people, especially children. When I see a need, I reach out to help. I am fully aware of what’s going on around me, and I see the opportunity for service along the way.

At one time I looked at all the injustices and waited for God or someone else to fix whatever was wrong – and perhaps even to fix me. I believed that God could make everything all right and that all I had to do was sit back and watch it happen.

The truth is that God’s work takes place through me as well as through others. When I recognize my responsibility and accept oneness with all God’s creation, I take the first step toward the healing of myself and the world I live in.

Today I give a cup of cold water and become part of the healing process. Today I live in hope as a person of the light. I, like John, tell others about the light I’ve found, joyfully inviting them to explore this light for themselves. Especially when I enter into places of darkness – hopelessness, abuse, hatred, or war – I share the light that is a part of who I am as a Christian.

In the darkest corners of my life there still may lurk dark shadows, menaces, and threats. Darkness separates me from my neighbor or friend. When I step into darkness I cannot recognize the trouble within.

Today I step out of the murky shadows and experience the wonderful light that was lit when Jesus appeared in the world. In light I have hope, a new beginning!

Jesus was and is a light to the world. Only as I understand the darkness in which I once lived can I fully comprehend and experience the wonderful light of Jesus.

Today I have hope as I rejoice in the light of the world, Jesus Christ!