The holiday season brings out the best in our homes--- lights, Christmas trees, nativity scenes, garlands, wreaths, and who can forget the mistletoe. It seems like everywhere you look you hear the sounds and see the sights announcing Christmas’ arrival!
One item that is used to bring the feeling of Christmas alive is lights. Lights line driveways, hang from rooftops, drape entryways, and fill Christmas trees. Lights play such a crucial role in my Christmas décor that I yearly hear the sounds of agony when I say, “Time to unpack the lights and untangle them.”
Although the process of hanging lights provides a challenge, the reward makes it worthwhile. My home looks festive with lights on the inside and out. Of course, we cannot forget the family fun that occurs each year when we drive around Conway and look at the Christmas lights. My kids look forward to touring the neighborhoods and experiencing the downtown area lit up with thousands of lights.
Christmas lights should not be the only lights that shine bright in your home this holiday season. Jesus, the ultimate light, should also shine bright. In John 8:12 Jesus states, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” (New International Version) This verse holds one of the seven “I Am “statements recorded in the New Testament. The “I Am” statements were spoken by Jesus. Each statement provided a concrete object that communicated a profound spiritual truth.
When Jesus said “I am the light of the world,” He communicated two truths. First, we live in a dark world. The moment sin entered this world, the world became a spiritually dark place to live. Second, Jesus was born to provide light in the midst of the darkness. As Jesus provided light, He made a way for sinful man to enter into a relationship with a holy God. Jesus died on the cross for you and me. You can experience the light of life by asking Jesus to come into your life and save you from your sins.
For you who have already asked Jesus to come into your heart and save you from your sins, the light of Jesus should continue to impact the way you live. You must wake up every day and make the choice to walk in the light, not in the darkness. This occurs as you live your life for God as directed by the Bible - turning from sin and embracing truth.
As you unpack your Christmas lights this season, make sure you invite another light into your home. Each day pray for Jesus, the light of the world, to shine bright in you. As He shines bright in you, your home will take on a different feel as the love of Christ makes its way into your home this holiday season.