Light Near and Far

Never let your light go out

Decorating for Christmas can often start off with excitement and eagerness to help “deck the halls” of the home. However, sometimes it quickly turns to frustration over lights that don’t work, misplaced decorations, or which ornaments to put on the tree this year.

But I also remember how much I love preparing through the Advent season, the carols, the giving of gifts, smiling faces of children, and oh the lights! My favorite part of Christmas the lights…the twinkling of tree lights in the evenings after dark, candlelight from the advent wreath, the tiny colored lights on the ceramic trees made by my grandma, and the driving through town enjoying neighborhood lights.

I often wonder what it would have been like to see that beautiful Christmas star that led to the manger. The skies were aglow as the star led to the Christ child born to save His people. He brought hope to a fallen world. He loves me. I don’t have to question whether or not He loves me; His word tells me so. He IS the Light and it never goes out.

For me, the lights of Christmas are a reminder in the dreariness of winter and gray days, that we are to be the light to others so they can see Christ. Kindness, love, and forgiveness bring hope to others. God calls us to be like His Son.

Enjoy the lights this year and remember to never let your light go out. Keep shining the hope of Christmas all year round!