Let there be LIGHT

My favorite Christmas decorations are the lights. Whether it’s a display on the house, candles glowing on the mantle, or the sparkle of the Christmas tree, the lights captivate. No need for tinsel and garland, just give me the simple white lights. I’ll happily sit in the darkness and take in their beauty. Those little beams fill me with the wonder of the holiday, almost as if they were brightening up my heart.

Today, on Christmas, we light the Christ Candle, reminding us that Jesus is the Light of the World. He entered humanity as one life, one pure light of godliness penetrating the darkness of a fallen world. His birth marked the beginning of hope for mankind, to be made righteous and acceptable before God. We would never again be left in the darkness!

Even celestial beams of a magnificent star announced his birth and showed the shepherds where to find him. The magi traveled far following this star so that they could honor the great newborn king. And yet that star was nothing compared to the Light the Father had sent to his people.

Because you seek to follow him, the Light of Jesus now rests within you! This Light fills and heals you. It encourages and transforms you. Yet these blessings are not purely for your benefit. Christ came into this world and made his home in you so that you will reflect his light, bringing hope and healing to others. You are created to carry his light into the world. Your life has the same effect as that glorious star, leading others to meet and follow the King of Kings.

As you take a quiet moment during the holiday, notice the lights. See how it doesn’t take much light to bring illumination. Notice that no matter how dark the night or how tiny the beam of light, the darkness cannot overcome the light. That is the hope in which we stand. Jesus, both in the world and within us, can never be extinguished.