The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shone.
Isaiah 9:2 ESV
We lay on the floor, flat on our backs, heads tucked under the lower branches of the rotating silver tinsel Christmas tree. We stared through the tree’s silver arms with our eyes on the ceiling. We shifted slightly now and then to watch the color dance on the walls.
It was pure magic.
The color wheel slowly rotated its four colors. Its lights reflected from branch to branch as it bounced off the silver and hot pink ornaments creating rainbows on every surface, including our upturned faces. Magical indeed.
It was the early 1960’s, aluminum Christmas trees were still novel in our neighborhood, and we had gotten one. I thought it was the most beautiful thing I had ever seen. The lights and colors were enchanting. Laying on the floor of the living room to watch the Christmas lights became a much-loved tradition, although I admit, I am now satisfied watching the Christmas lights from the comfort of my cozy armchair.
Christmas lights are everywhere. They line the streets of our downtowns, they replace the fallen leaves on bare branches, they outline our houses, and line our sidewalks. If there’s the remotest hint of darkness, never fear, lights can be strung.
Christmas – the Season of Lights!
For many, “Season of Lights” simply means it’s a time of “hope, unity, and the power of believing.”1 Whether the celebration is Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, or the winter solstice when the longest night of the year takes place, light is a focal point of all this season’s celebrations.
The phrase “Season of Lights” should carry a much richer and deeper meaning for the believer.
On Day One of the creation of our world, God proclaimed “Let there be light, and there was light. And God saw that the light was good. And God separated the light from the darkness” Genesis 1:3-4. God’s first gift to mankind – aside from Himself – was light. And God has been bringing the light ever since.
How beautiful is that!
There are times when the darkness of the world threatens to stamp out the light. It was such a time for the people of Israel. It had been over four hundred years since God’s people had received a message from God. No doubt, it was long enough to make Israel wonder if God had forgotten about them.
Then in a manger in Bethlehem, the Light of the World broke through the darkness to be born as a tiny babe. The long-awaited Messiah had arrived. God had not forgotten His people. (Luke 2:1-21)
The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shone.
Isaiah 9:2 ESV
And the world has never been the same.
When we look around our world today, it may seem at times that the darkness is winning. War, corruption, injustice, illness, poverty, and evil run rampant.
Yes, the darkness threatens but God’s Word speaks Truth. The darkness may try to stamp out the light, but God’s faithful stand firm and fight back empowered by God’s Holy Spirit.
When we look at the lights of Christmas, we must remind ourselves that it is our GOD who is the Giver of Light. He sent His Light to live among us. God gave Himself so that He might shine in us and through us.
“…God is light, and in Him is no darkness at all.”
1 John 1:5 ESV
It is no coincidence that on one of the darkest days of the year, Christians celebrate the birth of Jesus, The Messiah – The Light of the World.
Throughout Scripture, we see God reveal Himself as a beacon of light. His light calls us to Him. The Light of God:
– Leads us as it did for the Children of Israel in the wilderness (Exodus 13:21).
– Identifies us as His (Exodus 10:23).
– Guards us (Psalm 27:1, Isaiah 42:60).
– Is the armor in which He wraps us for the battles of life (Romans 13:12).
– Is life-giving (John 8:12).
And finally, it is the Light that we – God’s light-bearers – are to share with all the world.
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 5:15 ESV
In His light, we find our purpose. We have been called out of darkness to become light bearers – taking the light of Jesus to those who remain in the dark night of sin.
But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for His own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.
1 Peter 2:9 ESV
During these days of celebration, as you light your candles, or sit in the glow of a burning blaze beside the fireplace, or enjoy the lights that dress your Christmas tree, focus your thoughts on the Giver of Light. Remember the One Who is the Light of the World. And never forget that The Light that He has given you is a precious gift to be shared with those still walking in darkness.
May the joy of God’s light shine brightly in your heart throughout the Christmas Season and every day of the New Year.
For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.
2 Corinthians 4:6
“For at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light.”
Ephesians 5:8
1 Megan Taylor, “Let the Light of the World Shine: The Meaning of Light during the Holiday Season,” ForsytheWoman.com