SHINE HIS LIGHT

     Innumerable white icicle lights perfectly outlined the beautiful brick house of my neighbor.  What a gorgeous display when the large picture window curtains were drawn back to reveal a huge decorated Christmas tree with brilliant lights radiantly shining into the night.  This happened every year like clockwork four days before Christmas and lasted only through Christmas Day.  

     The most peculiar thing about this though, is my neighbor never took down the Christmas tree or the outdoor lights.  They were left up all year long, only being turned on for those few days.  It was under a strong protest and after the continual advice of the realtor in the summertime that the tree and the lights came down when the house was put on the market to sell. 

     As you know, lights and Christmas trees are a reminder of the celebration of the birth of Jesus each year.  So, when the new neighbor did not put up a tree or lights this year, I realized their representation of the Christmas season was lost in the darkness.  Even if the lights were still up, lights are only effective in the dark when they are turned on. 

     It is interesting to know the person who sparked the tradition of Christmas Tree lights is believed to be a man of faith from the 16th century; none other than Martin Luther.  It is said that as he was walking home one clear winter evening, he was awed by the brilliance of stars twinkling amidst the evergreens in the forest.  To recapture the scene for his family, he erected a tree inside the house and tied candles to its branches for his family's enjoyment.  It was soon after this that this custom was followed in the churches for Christmas each year.

     Regardless of tradition, the truth remains that Jesus is the Light of the world that came down into the darkness of mankind to bring salvation for all.  Jesus stepped out of eternity and was born in the form of human flesh (John 1:14).  He showed us how to walk in the light of life (John 8:12) and loved us so much that He died on a tree so that we would become “children of light" (Ephesians 5:8).  How fitting is it then, for lights to hang on an evergreen tree (symbolic of eternity) to celebrate His birth?

     As believers, we are called to be the light of the world (Matthew 5:14), and to always be ready to share the greatest gift anyone could ever receive!  We are to shine the light of the glorious gospel of Christ to a lost and darkened world (2 Corinthians 4:4).  We are to walk in the light of life greater than Jesus did. (John 14:12).  This is all made possible from the power of God that is within us.  It’s really not that hard to do when we realize that every light is backed by a power source.

     Christmas lights might be boxed up and put away, but during the entire year our lives can shine His light brightly through us wherever we go, whatever we say and whenever we do good works. (Matthew 5:16).  So, keep your lights turned on and go forth in confidence as you share the true meaning of Christmas; backed by God’s power to SHINE HIS LIGHT!