Christmas Lights

Christmas lights are everywhere in our little town. It looks like some sort of enchanted village. Many towns have Christmas lighting contests to see who can decorate their homes the best. People get in their cars and drive all around town to see the beautiful lighting displays. It’s really easy to get so caught up the beauty of the lights that you might think that is what Christmas is all about… but it’s not. You see, the lights are just a reminder of the One True Light that came to bring light into the world.

·        God is the source of Light

This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. 1 John 1:5

And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light. And God saw that the light was good. And God separated the light from the darkness. Genesis 1:3-4 

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. James 1:17

·        Light announced Jesus birth

Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem, saying, “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” Matthew 2:1-2

After listening to the king, they went on their way. And behold, the star that they had seen when it rose went before them until it came to rest over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. Matthew 2:9-10

·        Jesus brought Light to the world

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. John 1:1-5

There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. He came as a witness, to bear witness about the light, that all might believe through him. He was not the light, but came to bear witness about the light. The true light, which gives light to everyone, was coming into the world. John 1:6-9

Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God. And this is the judgment: the light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the light because their works were evil. For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his works should be exposed. But whoever does what is true comes to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that his works have been carried out in God.” John 3:18-21

Jesus spoke to them, saying, “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

Imagine walking through a room that you’ve never been in before. If you walk in the room when there are no lights on, you might be anxious and uneasy. You don’t know where the obstacles are, how the furniture is arrayed. You can’t tell what might be there in the dark that would cause you to stub your toe or get hurt. But if the light’s on – you walk with confidence and see exactly what you need to see. There are no more obstacles. No chance of getting hurt. That’s the kind of difference Jesus Christ brings to our lives. We no longer walk in darkness with uneasiness and anxiety. Now we walk with in His light… and life is completely different.

Jesus said to them, “The light is among you for a little while longer. Walk while you have the light, lest darkness overtake you. The one who walks in the darkness does not know where he is going. While you have the light, believe in the light, that you may become sons of light.” John 12:35-36

·        We are to be children of light

"You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. Matthew 5:14-16

At one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light (for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true), and try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord. Ephesians 5:8

Do all things without grumbling or disputing, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world. Philippians 2:14-15

For you are all children of light, children of the day. We are not of the night or of the darkness. 1 Thessalonians 5:5

If we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin. 1 John 1:7

This Christmas, as you enjoy the beautiful Christmas lights, let's remember they are reminders of the one true light – Jesus Christ. Let's also remember that you are the light of the world.

"There is not enough darkness in the entire world to put out the light of even one small candle."  --Robert Alden