Shine all year round.
Don’t you just love the lights at Christmas, dancing on houses, twinkling in Christmas trees, on wreaths and in store windows just about everywhere?
Their sparkle and glow exude such cheer, warmth, hope and joy, we can’t help but be attracted to them. Imagine what the night sky over Bethlehem looked like when the star appeared at the birth of Jesus. With far less artificial light than we have in cities today, it must have been like an oversized jewel glistening in the sky. Matthew 2:1-11 records this moment and concludes “When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy.”
From the beginning of time, God used light to be a life giving, transforming agent.
At creation, He introduced it to separate the darkness, identify time, and announce the seasons. For the children of Israel fleeing captivity to find the Promised Land, it was their guide by night, and so it was for the wise men who followed it to find Jesus the Messiah when he was born.
Defining His purpose on earth and His relevance to humanity, Jesus Christ declared, “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).
As we grow more intimate with Christ, and follow his ways, we too become a light in our world that attracts others.
“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 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. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that[a] they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven” (Matthew 5:14-16).
Imagine the world as one big Christmas tree, as we trust and follow Christ, we light up the “Christmas tree” and top it with a shining star, dispelling darkness, attracting onlookers, igniting purpose and sharing Christ in us, the hope of Glory.
Will you let your light shine and bring a glow of hope to those around you this Christmas and throughout the coming year?
