Psalm 80:17-19

“Restore us, O Lord God of hosts; let your face shine, that we may be saved.” vs. 19

For many pastors the highlight of the service is the benediction, not because it means football watching is just around the corner, but because it offers such a rich gift to worshippers. “The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord look upon you with favor and give you peace.” To catch a glimpse of the shining face of God is to be touched by grace, and it happens regularly in the smiles we exchange with one another. Those smiles lift our hearts and erase despair; they’re probably the most precious gifts of this season. We can find ourselves in dark moods for a variety of reasons even when it’s getting close to Christmas. Maybe it’s the sad memories crowding our minds. It could be the signs of brokenness and pain in our families. In those moments all it takes is a single encounter with a bright, cheery smiling face to break the mood. And it’s not only ours to receive…all of us have a multitude of opportunities every day to spread the cheer. It may seem a little thing, that smile we pass to another, but it’s really a benediction, a sign of the shining face of God and a mark of God’s gracious favor.

Thought for the Day: How does a smile affect my heart?