Christmas lights

The people who sat in darkness have seen a great light, and upon those who sat in the region and shadow of death Light has dawned. — Matthew 4:16

In December each year, a neighborhood of 13 families near where we live sets up a dazzling display of 300,000 Christmas lights. People drive for miles and wait in line for hours to see the flashing, colorful lights and hear the music that is programmed to go with it. The sound-and-light display is so elaborate that it requires a network of 64 computers to keep everything synchronized.

When I think about these holiday lights, I am reminded of the Light that makes Christmas a holiday for many — a single Light so bright that it illuminates the whole world with truth, justice, and love. This Light — Jesus — is everything that the world is longing and looking for (Isa. 9:2, 6-7). And He has told His followers to display His light so that others will see and glorify God (Matt. 5:16).

Imagine if Christians worked as hard at shining and synchronizing the light of God’s love as the families of that neighborhood work when they illuminate their street with Christmas lights. Perhaps then the people still living in darkness would make an effort to see this great Light. When Christians work together to display God’s love, the gospel will shine more brightly and attract more people to Jesus — the Light of the world. — Julie Ackerman Link

O to be filled with His life divine;

O to be clothed with His power and might;

O to reflect my dear Savior sublime —

Always to shine as the saints in light! — Anon.

READ: Matthew 5:13-16

Our witness for Christ is a light in a dark world.

The Bible in one year:

• Daniel 5-7

• 2 John