The Season of Lights

November 30, 2009

I have never really liked the dark. I was one of those over imaginative children, who made way too much of the shadows. I am one of those adults, who dreads the shortened days of winter.

Can it be a coincidence that just when the shortest day of the year comes, it is followed by the celebration of the birth of Jesus? What made the star that heralded Jesus' birth so wonderfully bright? It was set down in the middle of the dark of the night!

We live in a dark world. A simple watching of the nightly news brings the darkness right into our homes. It is easy to fall into despair, hopelessness and fear as we ponder how great is that darkness.

Tonight I watched the news of the terror in India, recorded by camera in gory details. But I also watched a tv show on CNN heroes ... people who took the light they had into a dark world. And God magnified the light into hope and help for the nations.

As we ride through the streets this season and look at the multicolored decorations lighting up the night, we are filled with delight. It is easy to temporarily forget the darkness. As you enjoy the lights this season, may you remember the One Who came to be the Light of the World.

You were not called to light up the entire world by yourself. You were only called to be transparent and let the Ultimate Light, Jesus, shine through you to all around you.

Look up and see the stars. Look around and enjoy the lights. Listen and you will hear His Voice ... He has come ... He is here. Light your candle and pass it on!