The Season of Light
Isn’t it interesting that both Christmas and Chanukah center upon light? It’s been almost two weeks since we put up our Christmas tree and decorated our home. Thus, the Christmas lights have been shining brightly. As well, this past week we lit the Chanukah candles each night. We even have an electric menorah in our window. So, we have had both Christmas lights and the lights of the Chanukah menorah shining brightly in our home! Indeed, this is the season of light!
Of course, there is reason behind all the lights of this season. In fact, it is very appropriate that we would celebrate this season with the lighting of candles and the hanging of lights.
The Chanukah story is the story of how God helped the Jewish people win a great battle to reclaim Jerusalem and the temple. And, it tells of how God performed a miracle to keep the temple lights burning. It is the story of God stepping into a very dark time in the history of his people and bringing about a miracle that brought to them new hope and new light.
The Christmas story has very much the same message. After all, Christmas is the celebration of the fact that God has not allowed us to be plunged into everlasting darkness. Rather, He has sent to us the “light of the world!” The miracle of the incarnation is the miracle of light breaking into our darkness.
In fact, a little history helps bring home the point. As most people know, the date on which we celebrate Jesus’ birth was originally a pagan holiday (or “holy day!”). We are told that, although the ancients knew that the winter equinox took place on December 22nd, it was not until the 25th that they could see with the naked eye the lengthening of the days. From the summer equinox until the winter equinox, they knew that the days were getting shorter and shorter. The fear was that eventually they would be plunged into complete darkness. On December 25th, however, they celebrated the fact that they could see that the days were getting longer again; that light was overtaking the darkness.
It’s no wonder then, that the early Christians had no problem celebrating the birth of their savior on December 25th. It’s no wonder that throughout this season we decorate our trees and houses with lights. After all, Christmas is all about the miracle of new hope and new Light!
As you take note of the lights of this season, give thanks to God for not allowing us to be overtaken by darkness. He is the God who time and again has said, “Let there be light!”
“In him (Jesus) was life, and that life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness….The true light that gives light to every man was coming into the world.” (John 1:4-5, 9 – NIV)
Enjoy the season of lights!
-Pastor Tim Harris
Of course, there is reason behind all the lights of this season. In fact, it is very appropriate that we would celebrate this season with the lighting of candles and the hanging of lights.
The Chanukah story is the story of how God helped the Jewish people win a great battle to reclaim Jerusalem and the temple. And, it tells of how God performed a miracle to keep the temple lights burning. It is the story of God stepping into a very dark time in the history of his people and bringing about a miracle that brought to them new hope and new light.
The Christmas story has very much the same message. After all, Christmas is the celebration of the fact that God has not allowed us to be plunged into everlasting darkness. Rather, He has sent to us the “light of the world!” The miracle of the incarnation is the miracle of light breaking into our darkness.
In fact, a little history helps bring home the point. As most people know, the date on which we celebrate Jesus’ birth was originally a pagan holiday (or “holy day!”). We are told that, although the ancients knew that the winter equinox took place on December 22nd, it was not until the 25th that they could see with the naked eye the lengthening of the days. From the summer equinox until the winter equinox, they knew that the days were getting shorter and shorter. The fear was that eventually they would be plunged into complete darkness. On December 25th, however, they celebrated the fact that they could see that the days were getting longer again; that light was overtaking the darkness.
It’s no wonder then, that the early Christians had no problem celebrating the birth of their savior on December 25th. It’s no wonder that throughout this season we decorate our trees and houses with lights. After all, Christmas is all about the miracle of new hope and new Light!
As you take note of the lights of this season, give thanks to God for not allowing us to be overtaken by darkness. He is the God who time and again has said, “Let there be light!”
“In him (Jesus) was life, and that life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness….The true light that gives light to every man was coming into the world.” (John 1:4-5, 9 – NIV)
Enjoy the season of lights!
-Pastor Tim Harris
Great message Pastor!
ReplyDeleteIt's a great reminder of the Light when we are often caught up with the busyness of our life. Thank you!!!