Great Light
December 11, 2021
This time of year darkness and light are on full display. The sun goes down early in the northern hemisphere. We have more hours of darkness than hours of light. It is easy to get gloomy and depressed. Perhaps that is why we are so eager to put up the Christmas lights. They are a welcome disruption to the darkness.
Light is an important part of the Christmas celebration, and Isaiah 9:2 is usually included in the scriptures read at Christmas time.
The people who walked in darkness
Have seen a great light;
Those who dwelt in the land of the shadow of death,
Upon them a light has shined.
In celebrating the birth of Jesus this year, I am also celebrating light because I really, really need it. People lose hope around the holidays. COVID isolation and the deaths of many who were dear to me has been overwhelming. I have to actively remind myself that I am not without light and hope. John 8:12 says:
Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.” (NKJV)
I am saved. I have the Light of the world inside of me, and so do you! Do you see it? Am I walking toward the Light or away from it? Is that why things seem so dark?
The Light inside me is of no use if I walk around with my eyes closed. I continually have to remind myself to open my eyes and let that Light inside me illuminate my path and my future. Even beyond using that Light to guide and encourage myself, Jesus has a bigger plan:
“You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. 16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:14-16 (NKJV)
It occurred to me that I have a role to play in the celebration of Light this Christmas. People need to see me do the right thing, the kind thing, the generous thing, because it gives them hope. I have a choice to make. I can crawl into bed, pull the covers over my head, and cry my eyes out. That is certainly how I feel some days. Or, I can make myself do the big or small good works that others will see and will thank God for because it gives them hope. Never underestimate your little light because it is really a great light and it is spreading hope everywhere you go.