I once had the wonderful privilege
to be in Europe during the Christmas season. It was truly a magical
experience. The sun set at around four in the afternoon, but that
was when the beautiful Christmas lights came on. There were lights
everywhere, all colors and all shapes and sizes. Everywhere it
twinkled lifting the spirits of the people who for most of the day
only saw snow and grey clouds. Now for us from South Africa the
snow was awesome! But I can just imagine if you only saw white snow
and grey clouds for months on end, it might become a bit gloomy.
And that is why they have the lights; it really lifts you to
another dimension. It is so festive and despite the cold, family
and friends come together to celebrate the glorious season and to
rejoice in hope.
This made me think. Jesus came and
said that He is the light of the world:
"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
When I think of Jesus, I think of
light. His birth was no different. The special light of the
incredible star announced His birth, as well as the light of the
whole host of angels that appeared to the shepherds. And His light
kept on shining. He shone in a dark world. He shone hope,
forgiveness, atonement, life, healing and so I can go on. His whole
being shone forth the glory of God. So when I think of Jesus I
think of the Christmas lights in Europe. Jesus' light was not like
a spotlight descending on the human race, unveiling each and every
blemish that we have, demanding restitution. No, His light is
gentle and kind, giving warmth, joy and a sense of something
magical to a dark world. His light brings people together to sing
to the glory of His Father.
And then Jesus did something
remarkable. He said that we are now the light of the
world:
"You are the light of the world
- like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden." Matthew
5:14
Paul also affirms this in Romans
13:12:
"The night is far spent, the
day is at hand. Therefore let us cast off the works of darkness,
and let us put on the armor of light."
We are the light of the world,
wearing our armor of light. Jesus lives within us and it is now HIS
light shining through us. Our lights should spread warmth in a
cruel dark world, our lights should attract a gloomy world closer
so that they want what we have, our lights should bring joy to the
depressed and hope to the forsaken. We shouldn't walk around with
spotlights and condemn the world for their sins or shine our
spotlight on the speck in our friends' eyes. And on the other hand,
our lights shouldn't be so dim, that no one even notices it. No, we
should shine our lights like the lights in Europe. We should
attract people, make them want to come closer, make them want to
know Jesus more. We must share what we have and warm their hearts
with the Good News of Jesus Christ! That is why we are here on
earth, to spread His Kingdom and His love to a world in desperate
need for it.
May we all stand still this
Christmas, celebrating the life of Jesus, taking in His Word and
spreading His warm, cheerful, loving, magnificent light to all.
Father, thank you for placing the
beautiful, awe-inspiring light of Your Son inside of us all. Thank
you for entrusting us with this gift. Thank you that we can
celebrate Christmas, and rejoice in Your Son freeing us from sin
and from darkness. May we all walk in this victory and make You
proud. We love You. Amen