Lights

                                                                      

 

The calendar turns to December. Days are shorter. Darkness is longer. Suddenly, lights fill the darkness! White lights, colorful lights, blinking lights!  Beautiful lights transform dark December evenings. Christmas is approaching.  Lights play a prominent role in our Christmas celebration.

 

But, what do Christmas lights have to do with the Nativity, the birth of Christ? Quite a lot, actually. It was the bright star in the east that led the wise men to find the newborn King of the Jews (Matthew 2:2,9). After the baby was circumcised, Mary and Joseph brought Jesus to the Temple to be presented to the Lord.  At the Temple, Simeon looked at the Baby and declared Him to be: “A light to the Gentiles, and the glory of your people Israel.”(Luke 2:32). When this Baby grew into a Man, He proclaimed: “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” (John 8:12).

 

What is the purpose of “light”? Light shows us where danger is, so that we don’t stumble and fall. Light gives us direction, so that we don’t wander aimlessly. Light reveals hidden dirt and cobwebs in a dark room.

 

 When Jesus shines His light into our hearts, the dirt and cobwebs of our lives are exposed. Seeing sin in our hearts would bring despair except for one amazing fact. This same Baby in the manger grew up to become a Man who died on the cross in our place. When we turn to Him, we receive forgiveness. As we live our lives, His light shines on our pathway. Joy comes as we follow Him step by step though life.

 

So, every time we see Christmas lights this year, let us remember the Babe in the manger who grew up to be the Savior on the cross. May His light shine upon us and lead us step by step. Christmas Blessings to all!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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