As we drove to work early one morning, I was enjoying the sight of all the Christmas lights shining in the darkness. Even the ugliest of houses looked beautiful draped in the sparkling lights. The houses seemed to stand a little taller, proudly displaying their holiday finery. It made me wonder why we didn’t leave the decorations up all year. Somehow the beautiful lights made the darkness seem less foreboding.
This revelation got me to thinking, no wonder the Bible tells us to walk as children of light!
“In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” Matthew 5:16 ESV
“For at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light.” Ephesians 5:8 ESV
When I was little, I was afraid of the dark. I had a little lamp in my room that I would leave on to keep the boogey man at bay. It was amazing how that light brought comfort to me. In the same way, we are called to let our light shine before others, so that they will be drawn to the Father and find the peace and joy of knowing Him.
“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. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” Matthew 5:14-16 ESV
During the Christmas season, people seem to be a little more open, a little more generous, and a little more hopeful. Those who don’t know Jesus often refer to this phenomenon as the “magic of Christmas.” Something in the atmosphere definitely changes and expectation fills the air.
Ask God how you can be a light to those around you this Christmas season. Christmas isn’t just about giving gifts to our children and those we love, but about sharing the most awesome gift available, the gift of God to the world in the form of His son, Jesus Christ. Stand tall and proudly display the glory of our Father who is in heaven…the light of the world…the light that brings comfort, exposes the darkness and keeps the “boogey man” at bay.
