Every December the street behind our local high school becomes a tourist attraction for young and old. Cars wait in line turning onto the street, people stop to take photos, and the oohs and aahs of delight can be heard—all in front of one house—the one known far and wide for its incredible display of Christmas lights.
There’s one in every town, isn’t there?
During the time of Christ’s birth there were no laser lights and inflatable reindeer, but rather, the most spectacular light display ever—“the glory of the Lord”—that shone round about a few modest shepherds who received word from an angel of the birth of the Messiah.
The shepherds quickly went to Bethlehem to see if what they heard was true. After finding Mary, Joseph, and the baby lying in the manger, they told everyone what had happened, returning to their flocks glorifying and praising God for all they had seen and heard.
Light is a prevalent theme throughout Scripture. In Genesis God spoke “let there be light.” First John 1:5 says:
“This is the message which we have heard from Him and declare to you, that God is light and in Him is no darkness at all.”
Jesus Christ, the Son of God, declared that He was the light of the world:
“I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.” (John 8:12)
Where light shines, darkness flees!
Where the light of Christ prevails, the dark places in our lives disappear.
As Christians, we’re called to be light-bearers, proclaiming the message of Christ and displaying the light of Christ to a world encased in darkness.
“ . . . that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding fast the word of life, so that I may rejoice in the day of Christ that I have not run in vain or labored in vain.” (Philippians 2:15-16)
We are God’s Christmas lights!
We were created to bring our heavenly Father glory. As people see Christ living in us, as the shepherds who couldn’t help but share what they had seen and heard, others will also glorify our heavenly Father!
“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16)
May our light shine brightly, not only this Christmas season, but also every day of the new year!
Copyright © 2016 Cheryl Elton
That’s a good theme for the year, in fact for the last month or so that’s been my prayer – esp after hearing one of Paul’s msgs or CDs – I pray “open their hearts to your magnificent light”. I had an experience with God’s incredible light early this summer after planting flower beds on the back side of our church – when finished (after several days work) I looked up to heaven (this was at dusk) and asked our Lord if this was okay – in response the heavens opened and a beam of sunlight came right on the gardens – incredible that our God is so personal and magnificent – Hallelujah!
In my devotional reading from yesterday, I quote, “Come to me with a teachable spirit, eager to be changed. A close walk with Me is a life of continual newness. Do not cling to old ways as you step into a new year…”give yourself fully to this adventure of increasing attentiveness to My Presence.”
I wish you and your family a marvelous and adventure-filled New Year in the Lord.
Blessed New Year to you too, Betty! Thanks so much for sharing the Lord’s goodness in your life.
Yay! We ARE the lights of the world. If we don’t shine, who will? Let’s resolve to let Christ shine through us even brighter, each day, in the year ahead. Thanks for the message!