The light

I love the Christmas lights.  

Every year my family and I have a tradition of putting up Christmas lights. 

Have you ever asked yourself why we do all this work, to put all these lights up for Christmas? When did it start? What is the purpose of it? 

I know it looks nice, but is that the only reason? Is it just to spread some Christmas cheer?

Christmas, the celebration of Jesus’ birth, is all about the lights. 

Jesus, the eternal Son of God, creator of the universe, stepped out of Heaven and became God incarnate (God in flesh). 

Why did he come? According to John, Jesus came to bring light. He came to shine in the darkness. A light so strong that darkness can never overcome it. 

Jesus is the light of the world. 

John 8:12 

 Jesus spoke to them again._

‘I am the light of the world,’ he said. ‘People who follow me won’t go around in the dark; they’ll have the light of life!’

As one theologian puts it:

“Christmas is God lighting a candle; and you don't light a candle in a room that's already full of sunlight. You light a candle in a room that's so murky that the candle, when lit, reveals just how bad things really are.” 

In Christ, there is hope. There is light. He alone gives us hope and purpose to continue to carry on. 

We live in a dark world. But Jesus alone can rescue you from the darkness. 

Light helps us see things. Jesus gives us the truth about God and about life, our origin, and our destiny.

Light guides us as we travel. Jesus guides us safely through life. 

Light promotes growth and life. Jesus brings us everlasting life. 

Light warms and comforts. Jesus welcomes us and calms us. 

Light prevents crime. We see that where we live, they have put up some light on the streets and bike roads that are far brighter than before and it feels safer!

So Jesus says I am the light of the world:

What will you do with the light of Christ ?

Will you recognize this light?

Will you let this light shine in your life?

Will you extend the light of Christ further into the world ?