Read Psalm 119:105-112.
There are many TV programmes which deal with heritage and genealogy (eg ‘Who Do You Think You Are?’), and seeking to find out more about our personal history has become something of a hobby for many. People have an innate need to belong; it matters to us where we came from and where we are heading. One of the great needs of the human heart is to find ‘our place in this world’ (Michael W. Smith) and to know that we have significance, that we matter.
Ps 119:111 says ‘Your statutes are my heritage forever; they are the joy of my heart.’ This ‘book on living’ shows us our place in this world, outlines what it means to be human, gives us directions for life and assures us of a blessed future with a God who loves us so much He sent His only Son as a baby born in Bethlehem to be the Saviour of the whole world. Christmas is an annual reminder that we matter to God, no matter how insignificant we may feel or how confused we may be about our earthly heritage.
God’s Word is ‘a lamp to our feet and a light for our path’ (Ps 119:105), illuminating the way we should go. Through suffering and despair (Ps 119:107, 109), it guides us safely and expertly. All that is required from us is a heart set on obeying it. (Ps 119:107, 110, 111) We can move forward in security because the light of the world has come into the world (see John 1:4-5, 9; Is 9:2) and His light gives us all the illumination we need, ‘enough light for the next step, enough light for the way ahead.’ (‘Enough Light’, Worship Central)