Have you noticed? Christmas is coming, as it always does, in good times and bad times. Satan’s efforts to snuff out its light have proven to be futile. At dusk, Christmas tree lights pop on, glowing in my neighbor’s window across the street. They remind me of a verse in John chapter 1: “In Him was life, and the life was the light of men”. This is our Savior, Jesus, the source of our light, the Father’s unspeakable gift to us. Through him we see clearly what the Father is like. His life becomes ours and we come into relationship with the Father, a relationship of sonship, intimacy and fellowship. A good thought as I edge the thermostat up once again and preheat the oven for the annual baking of my Aunt Judy’s Swedish rusks.
Jumping back a few verses in John 1, I find this treasure. “The light shines in darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it”. On that night so long ago in the little town of Bethlehem, Israel’s Messianic hopes seemed all but lost. “Above thy deep and dreamless sleep, the silent stars go by.” Was Jehovah really involved? Had He forgotten His people? The songwriter answers this question for us. “Yet in thy dark street shineth the everlasting light”. Soon shepherds out on the dark hills, despised by their culture, would be the first to hear the good news: “For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord”. And so it happened, in God’s perfect timing. “The hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight”.
This is my Father’s world!”In spite of the cultural slide away from Biblical faith here in the West, in spite of the increasing indifference and hostility toward the Gospel, the Light of Bethlehem will shine brighter and brighter unto the perfect day of His coming. It’s definitely time to brave the attic’s chill and dig out the nativity set.
Then I remember Jesus’ challenge from the Sermon on the Mount. “Ye are the light of the world”. Will these words make a difference in my day? Now there is a challenge that might get me through the winter, even after the Christmas decorations are tucked away for another year. So what if it’s ridiculously dark on this shivery morning? So what if we have yet to pass the winter solstice, when we can at least begin counting the days until spring? I’m challenged to let His light shine through me on these dark days. At what time of year is it more needed? What plans might the Holy Spirit have for me today? Whom will God put in my path today who is desperately in need of some light? What words can I share that will dispel the darkness in someone’s heart? I’ll be watching and listening. Christmas light is shining!