As I write I catch
the twinkle of a couple of hundred lights on a Norway Spruce in the corner of our
dining room. Lights are strung on the plantings in front of our home. Bev has
candles in each of the windows of our home. It’s Christmas time! Thomas Edison first strung incandescent
lights in the 1880’s, replacing the
dangerous practice of lighting a tree with candles! Can you imagine putting lit
candles on a dry tree inside of your home? But, people did it and many burned
down their houses. By the 1920’s, with
home electrification becoming more widespread, lights – bright, colored, and in
a variety of styles – became a major part of the American Christmas.
Somehow, I think
this all ties into Jesus being the Light. Our world can be a terribly dark
place. Cruelty abounds. Power runs amuck
bringing sorrow to those oppressed. Hatred flourishes. “Jerry, that is a negative point of view.” Maybe it is, but there is suffering aplenty
in the world where I live! But, I also
see bright places of Light, where love is expressed, where hope exists, where
compassion makes a difference. God offers everyone a promise of light that
penetrates the darkest place – death. He
says that we can know eternal life, that we can grasp an assurance that there
is a home in His house beyond the grave.
And, it all starts with the message of a Baby who entered the world. John describes the coming of the Light like
this: "In the beginning the Word already existed. The Word was with God,
and the Word was God. He existed in the beginning with God. God created
everything through him, and nothing was created except through him. The Word
gave life to everything that was created, and his life brought light to
everyone. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never
extinguish it." (John 1:1-5, NLT)
Christ illuminates
the truth, calls us to Himself, and transforms those who trust in Him. 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) His light which brings us life radiates from
those who follow Him! Yes, Christian, we
are also lights. “Here’s another way to
put it: You’re here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God
is not a secret to be kept. We’re going public with this, as public as a city
on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you don’t think I’m going to hide you
under a bucket, do you? I’m putting you on a light stand. Now that I’ve put you
there on a hilltop, on a light stand—shine! Keep open house; be generous with
your lives. By opening up to others, you’ll prompt people to open up with God,
this generous Father in heaven." (Matthew 5:14-16, The Message)
Does love shine
brightly in you?
Does the warm
light of hope glowing in you draw people to Jesus?
Are you living in
purpose, your path illuminated by His light?
You can if you know the One who is the Light. Every time you see a strand of lights this
Christmas season, give thanks that Jesus came to the Light of the world. Here’s a word from the Word. Love it, live
it. "Remember, our Message is not
about ourselves; we’re proclaiming Jesus Christ, the Master. All we are is
messengers, errand runners from Jesus for you. It started when God said, “Light up the darkness!” and our lives filled
up with light as we saw and understood God in the face of Christ, all bright
and beautiful. If you only look at us, you might well miss the brightness.
We carry this precious Message around in the unadorned clay pots of our
ordinary lives. That’s to prevent anyone from confusing God’s incomparable
power with us." (2 Corinthians 4:5-7, The Message)
Lord, the light of Your love is shining,
In the midst of the darkness shining,
Jesus, Light of the world, shine upon us;
Set us free by the truth You now bring us,
Shine on me, shine on me.
Shine, Jesus, shine!
Fill this land
With the Father's glory.
Blaze, Spirit blaze!
Set our hearts on fire.
Flow, River flow!
Flood the nations
With grace and mercy.
Send forth Your word, Lord;
And let there be light.
Lord, I come to Your awesome presence,
From the shadows into Your radiance.
By the blood I may enter Your brightness,
Search me, try me, consume all my darkness.
Shine on me, shine on me.
As we gaze on Your kingly brightness,
So our faces display Your likeness,
Ever changing from glory to glory,
Mirrored here, may our lives tell Your story.
Shine on me, shine on me.
Shine, Jesus, shine!
Fill this land
With the Father's glory.
Blaze, Spirit blaze!
Set our hearts on fire.
Flow, River flow!
Flood the nations
With grace and mercy.
Send forth Your word, Lord;
And let there be light.
Shine Jesus Shine
Graham Kendrick
© 1987 Make Way
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