When the Christmas Lights Go Out!

The neighborhood in which I live seems to have become a bit darker this past week as one by one, people have unplugged and taken down their Christmas lights. For a few weeks many of the homes in our neighborhood were brightly lit up as part of the celebration of Christmas. Now, however, most of those lights are gone. In fact, I unplugged our lights yesterday. Thus, as I drove through our neighborhood and up to our house yesterday evening it seemed so much darker—and quite drab.

Christmas has been called the season of lights, and for good reason.  During the month of December, wherever you look there are trees, houses, and streets lit up.  And, who doesn’t like the brightness and cheer of the lights, especially as the days are getting shorter and the nights longer. They seem to lift our spirits at just the right time. But, once those lights are turned off and taken down, it seems like the darkness of winter truly sets in.  Oh, if only we could keep the Christmas lights up until springtime! (I guess we could if we really wanted to!)

Today I want to give to us a word of good news and encouragement: the True Light of Christmas has not been unplugged, turned off, nor dimmed. The True Light is, of course, none other than the One who said, ““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 – NIV) Long after the lights on our trees, houses, and in our streets are turned off, the light of Jesus Christ is yet shining brightly into our lives and into our world. His gospel is yet lighting our way and bring good news into our lives!

Not only that, but he calls us as his followers to do the same. His says to us, “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden.  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.”  (Matthew 5:14-15 – NIV) The Apostle Paul tells the believers that they are to “shine as lights in the world.” (Philippians 2:15) That is, as the light of Jesus flows through his followers, there is a supernatural brightness that is able to pierce through the darkness of our world, bringing hope to those who are in need.  

Just because the Christmas lights have been turned off doesn’t mean that we need to live in darkness—e.g. without the joy, peace, hope, and love that Christ came to bring. The light of Christ and of the gospel message is shining brightly at all times and throughout all seasons. And, that same light is able to shine not only into our lives, but through our lives. 

Let’s give thanks today that the True Light is yet shining very, very brightly!

Have a great day!

Pastor Tim Harris