On Christmas Eve, after church, we would go see the world's largest Christmas tree and LIGHTS! There was this one neighborhood that was known for their lights. We were so excited to go see those lights. Dad would drive real slow with the Christmas music playing. We would oooh and ahhh at every house. Every year we would say we wished we lived in that neighborhood! Mom and Dad would just smile and exchange glances just like Mike and I did with our girls.
As an adult I am thankful I do not live next to neighbors that decorate like Chevy Chase on Christmas Vacation! But I do like some lights. I think they are pretty and make me happy. I think that is why I like to sit in front of the Christmas tree and watch it sparkle.
As we anticipate Christmas day let's focus on Jesus as the Light of the world! The lights on our tree can remind of us of the Light of the world. John 1: 9, "The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world." John 8: 12, "When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” John 9: 5, "While I am in the world, I am the light of the world." John 12: 46, "I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness."
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 Illuminator!
We see the world by light. 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. Light inspires us with rainbows and sunsets!
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!
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