The Light of Christmas
Have you noticed the closer Christmas gets, the brighter the decorations become, and that’s because the brighter and more colorful the lights are the more attention they draw.
The brightest light of them all, however, was over 2,000 years ago in Bethlehem. But it wasn’t the star in the sky; rather it was the star that lay in the manger. The light of the universe came down and shone for a short while amongst His creation.
“The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in the land of the shadow of death, upon them a light has shined.” (Isaiah 9:2)
Isaiah then gave this prophecy about the Messiah saying, “For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” (Isaiah 9:6)
In describing this marvelous event, the Apostle John said that Jesus, the Word, was in the beginning with God, and who was God, and who was the light of life, and this light came down and dwelt with us (John 1:1-3, 14).
And so, the light of God, Jesus, came down and shone upon humanity.
After Jesus forgave the woman of her adultery, He said, “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.” (John 8:12)
In the end, Jesus is going to be the only light shining. Jesus is the Bright and Morning Star.
“I am the Root and the Offspring of David, the Bright and Morning Star.” (Revelation 22:16b)
To the inhabitants of this sin-darkened world Jesus said, “I have come as a light to shine in this dark world, so that all who put their trust in me will no longer remain in the darkness.” (John 12:46)
So, let’s shine the light of Jesus this Christmas for all to see.
Dennis Lee is Senior Pastor at Living Waters Fellowship, Mesquite, Nevada. He presently has two books, “From Here to There: A Journey to Spiritual Transformation,” and “Wells of Living Waters,” He also writes a religious column for a local newspaper entitled, “Rediscover the Bible for Life,” along with daily devotionals and thoughts that he posts on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Living Waters Fellowship’s Website
Image by DEEPAI
As I read this, I remembered those that questioned us years ago how we could move from California to Vegas with all that goes on there (this was before we moved to Mesquite). I remember the response that the Lord put on my heart: “That is exactly where the light of Jesus needs to shine: in the darkness. And that is where God is calling us.” Yet it’s not just Vegas, it’s everywhere. There is no place on this earth where the light of Jesus, the gospel message of salvation, is not needed and desperately needs to shine. After all, as it says in Ephesians 5:8, “For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light” Wherever God places us, that is where we need to shine. And what even more of beautiful opportunity we have in this season.
Thank you Debbie. The only place you need to light a candle is a dark one.