Growing up my favourite things about Christmas time were decorating the tree and looking at all the Christmas lights on the houses. One fond memory I have of my stepfather is when, one evening, we walked together, my small hand in his large, calloused one, all the way to the grocery store, shortly before Christmas. Snow was gently falling all around us in big fat flakes and there was no traffic moving in the suburban area.

Now back then there weren’t any bus lines in our part of London, not that my stepfather would have used them anyway! We did have one older car but that was used for work or emergencies and so we walked everywhere. The grocery store was a long hike but I didn’t mind because all along the way every house was lit up by beautiful twinkling lights of various colours and combinations. Some with nativity scenes, some with Santas and some with plywood painted snowmen. To me it seemed like a magic filled evening!

To this day I get a thrill out of seeing all the pretty, twinkling Christmas lights. However, some people nowadays complain it is a waste of electicity and money. I think it’s worth it.

“The true light that gives light to every man was coming into the world.” John 1:9 NIV

For me the lights all point to the miraculous fact that THE Light of the World came and dwelt among us. He came as a helpless infant, experiencing all the struggles of growing up, all the pain and angst of teenage years, and all the burdens, physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually of adulthood. The supernatural part of it is He did it without sinning. All through His thirty precious years on earth He shone with the light of God in him. It was a steady, strong light. It didn’t waver like a candle flame, it didn’t flicker or blink on and off like a bulb with a short circuit, it didn’t disappear momentarily like a moving searchlight, it shone steady and true wherever He went into the lives of those around Him. Pure, Holy, life giving light.

“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 8:12 NIV

Darkness cannot exist where God is because God IS light and that light blazes brighter than the sun.

That light still shines today in the hearts of those who believe in and love Him.

“For God who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ.” 2 Corinthians 4:6 NIV

The baby in the manger was a small light that grew. Angels sang about it, shepherds searched for it, wise men traveled miles to look upon it, kings were frightened by it, scholars marveled at it, fishermen and tax collectors followed it and the outcast, down-trodden, weak and humble were saved by it. It has spread from heart to heart through the Word and love of Christ for thousands of years. There is no stopping it.

Have you seen it? Have you let that light shine in your heart and fill your life with His incredible love? If not what better time of year to do it. Christmas, when we celebrate the moment that the Light, wrapped in flesh, came to save, to redeem, to renew and to show the way.

May your hearts be filled with joy, whenever you see the twinkling lights on trees and homes this December and are reminded of the Light of the World!

Be well!

Patricia