Light

Sitting with my tea in the darkened room lit only by the lights of the Christmas tree I find myself standing still with 'light'.

Darkness comes not just as night. 
Illness, conflict, hurt, hatred, sadness, anxiety, stress, poverty, ...

So many live... exist... day to day walking in the darkness of this life.

There are those moments when light shines in the darkness.

The glowing embers of a fire giving warmth.

The beacon of a lighthouse creating  a path across the water.

The illuminating beam of a flashlight guiding your steps.

The magical glow of a lightning bug suddenly appearing in the dark. 
The flash of brightness cracking across a dark sky as lightning flashes.

The beauty of the Milky Way spread across the canvas of night.

Light.

By definition - electromagnetic radiation that is visible to the eye; something that makes things visible; an illuminating agent or source.

Looking at the lights on the tree, I wonder how would most define the 'illuminating source' in their lives.

Being successful?

Their beautiful home?
Their children?
The glowing words others use to describe them?
Knowledge or expertise they may have?
the thing is - at some point - each of these sources of illumination do eventually dim.  The finest of silver will tarnish. Things will age, need maintenance, fall apart or go out of style.  People are human and often will not meet our expectations and we certainly will not always meet theirs.  Success can both come at great cost and easily fall prey to failure.  And knowledge can fade but almost always a person's own folly leads to their ruin.

Looking at the lights on the tree my eyes are drawn to the star at the top...

 

There was once a dark night through which there was an explosion of light - "and the glory of the Lord shone around them".  Words were proclaimed ---" Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.  Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; He is the Messiah, the Lord.  This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger."

I stand still with two thoughts.

First, I can't even imagine the light which is defined as "the glory of the Lord shone around them". 

Secondly, "the news that will cause great joy for all people" --- THIS is the illuminating source that will never dim.  In this world darkened by sin --- "A light shines in the darkness and the darkness has not overcome it." (John 1:5) We have the assurance of our Lord's words, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”(John 8;12)

This light will guide us - "Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path." (Psalm 119:105)
This light gives us strength and is our salvation  - "The Lord is my light and my salvation- whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life-of whom shall I be afraid?" (Psalm 27:1)

 Through this world's darkness; through the dimming commercialism and materialism; through the folly of men there is ONE LIGHT, ONE illuminating source that will never dim... given to us to bring joy and love; to bless us with peace and provide Hope despite the darkness of this world and the darkness within us.  That light came wrapped in clothes and lying in a manager. 

I pray you the joy and peace of This wondrous light.  I pray you discover that Hope is being able to see that there is light despite all of the darkness.  " And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God."  And I especially pray that you know " neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers,  neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord."

The light of Christmas's very purpose will shine brightly on this earth - guiding you, strengthening you, loving you.  This light will shine through you to others.  This light will guide you to an everlasting home in where the glory of the LORD will shine about you.

May the light of Christmas bring you joy and shine about you for all eternity!

 Isaiah 9:2 - The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned."

Psalm 18:28 - You, LORD, keep my lamp burning; my God turns my darkness into light.
EPH. 5:8 -For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light
John 12:36 - Believe in the light while you have the light, so that you may become children of light.”