The Light of the World
The Christmas season is a great time of celebration, and extravagant displays of lights will attest to this being true. A quick drive around most neighborhoods will reveal that many take great joy in this season. Windows are decorated with flashing lights, while doors and walkways are lit up with flashing bulbs. Some like to strategically place large bulbs around places in their yards and homes, while others like to drape small bulbs around trees and shrubs. Occasionally a lit-up Santa can be seen in a yard, and at times he is accompanied by his reindeer. As you continue to drive, you may possibly see rows of candles set out in yards or on porches. In some cities, entire neighborhoods decorate their homes as their streets and cul-de-sacs glow with an assortment of amazing colors. In select locations, major displays are being put on in which travelers can go and see millions of lights ushering in that hallowed day.
A light in the darkness
When they are turned on during the day, all of these lights do not have quite the same appeal as they do at night. There is something about seeing these lights at night that just attracts the attention and focus of millions. It can be compared to the light of a firework bursting in the sky. During the day, the awe-factor of this firework is lost, but when it is placed against the black of night, everyone rushes to see its splendor.
As millions travel through their towns and cities gazing at Christmas lights this year, it is hard to know how many are actually thinking about Jesus. Once again, God’s creation points back to Him.
Jesus was the first Christmas light. He came at a time of darkness, and against that backdrop, He can be seen magnificently. John 1:5 tells its readers that Jesus is light, and He shines in darkness. Jesus can be seen clearly and glows ever brighter the darker the world gets. His light is never snuffed out, but rather He continues to shine. The worse a situation gets, the more Jesus will glow. The worse that circumstances become, the more Jesus will radiate.
The importance of light
Jesus as light is no minor matter in the life of the Christian. The scope of its importance spans beyond the length of this article. However, to touch on merely one point, you can know where you are going if you can see the light.
Much like your vehicles headlights light the way for you as you drive, Jesus is your light. Much like the way that you would pull out a flashlight to step outside in the dark, Jesus is your light. Much like the way that you turn on the lights when you come home after a long day, Jesus is your light. Jesus brings clarity, clearness, and direction to each and every situation, no matter how dark it seems.
The North Star
The North Star is known by many to be a star that has guided countless individuals in the direction in which they wanted to travel. It is the only star that seemingly stays in place while all the other stars move. What is actually taking place is that the earth is spinning, and this causes the stars to appear as though they are moving. The stars shift from one location in the sky to another, while the North Star seems set in place. The North Star actually sits directly above the top of the earth at the very point in which the earth spins. It is almost perfectly centered. Therefore when the earth spins, the North Star does not appear to move like the rest of the stars. This star then becomes a light and guide to many.
Jesus, the light
Jesus is like the North Star. He is a light that shines bright and never changes. He remains the same and will not change. Jesus can be trusted, and one look upon His face will reveal His light.
This Christmas, as you drive through your neighborhoods, remember the ways in which Jesus is your light. Jesus is truly the first Christmas light. Scripture says:
“The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: They that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined” (Isa. 9:2)
Final prayer
Father, I thank You for Your mercy and Your grace toward me this year. You are faithful, and Your love is evident in my life. Thank You for showing me that Jesus is Light. He is truly a Light for me. Help me to look to Jesus and follow His leading. In Jesus’ name, Amen.