Light Of The World

On Christmas Eve, after church, we would drive through a neighborhood known for their lights. We would oooh and ahhh at every house and wish we lived there. As an adult, I am thankful I do not live next to Chevy Chase on Christmas Vacation! We would also go see the world's largest Christmas tree, in downtown Wilmington! I love Christmas lights and they still make me happy, there is just something so joyful and peaceful about them.

Jesus was born during night watch at midnight, when it was pitch black outside. Luke 2: 8, "And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night." The darkness was the most intense at that time. John 1: 5, "The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome." On that first Christmas night, the light shined in the darkness. The glory of the Lord shone. Luke 2: 9, "An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them.." John 1:9, "The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world." John 12: 46, "Jesus explained, “I came into the world as light, so that everyone who believes in me might not remain in the darkness”

It is no accident that Jesus was born at the darkest part of night! The darkness of the midnight hour is not only the lack of daylight, it also holds great symbolic significance.  Darkness represents sin and the absence of God.  Human ignorance is sometimes referred to as "they are in the dark" when they lack knowledge. Jesus is the great Illuminater! Our bodies and souls crave light. We set our biological clocks by light. Our brains use light to see color. Light feeds us by supplying the energy for plants to grow.

If you need a reminder of the power of light, sit in total darkness. Then light a candle and see how quick the darkness flees. It cannot overcome the Light. John 1: 5, "The Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it." Let the Christmas light shine upon you!