The Greatest Light of Christmas
A Christmas Eve Devotional
What do clothes hangers, extension cords, and Christmas lights all have in common? They all mysteriously get tangled up without touching them! There are around 150,000,000 sets of Christmas lights purchased in the US every year to illuminate some 80,000,000 homes. That’s a lot of lights! We love Christmas lights, they bring us joy.
Jan Borgman wrote a memorable article called “Holiday Grief and Lessons from Tangle Christmas Lights.” She said that each of the colors reminded her of a part of her grief journey.
The blue lights for times when she was sad.
The yellow lights for the bright memories she had.
The orange lights reminded her of the warmth of the gift of love she had experienced.
The Green lights represented hope for the future.
Just as Borgman’s tangled lights held colors of grief and hope, Jesus’ light shines undivided—pure joy and peace through every shade of life.
Jesus is the Light of the world. I do not have a color to associate with that light - but I do know that His light shines with Joy and Peace.
“When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “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
John 8:12 - Five Enlightening Truths
“Jesus spoke to the people…” The message of light is for everyone. What a blessing it is that no one is left out of the most important message the world has ever heard.
“I am the light of the world…” Not “one of the lights”, but THE light of the world. “Let there be light” - the first four words we hear from God in the Bible. Light is always associated with God, and God wants to bring light into the life of everyone. In many ways, Jesus is placed aside in this world, but there is no other light to enlighten our souls for salvation.
“Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness…” When we follow the Light we will not be in the dark. The darkness of the world surrounds us - but we do not have to walk without knowledge, support, encouragement, and hope.
“…but will have the light of life.” John 12:46 “I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness.” Before Jesus was born, Zechariah the father of John the Baptist, described the coming of Christ in this way: “…The rising sun will come to us from heaven to shine on those living in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the path of peace” (Luke 1:78-79). When we try to walk through this life without Jesus, we are walking in darkness.
“You are the light of the world” (Matthew 5:14). When we try to walk through this life without Jesus, we are walking in darkness. Walking with Him, we become a light to the world. Matthew 5:16 “…let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”
Conclusion
When Jesus says he is the light of the world, he is stating an essential truth. Whatever true light we can find in this world comes from him.
The angels’ glory lit the night sky (Luke 2:9), drawing humble shepherds to worship the true Light wrapped in swaddling clothes.
Tim Keller wrote, “He is a Light for us when all other lights go out.”
At Christmas, we remember the elements of the birth of Christ as revealed to us in the Scriptures. Christmas brings traditions, joys, memories, sadness, and even bills. In the mix of all of this activity, remember…
The one light that is above all and greater than all of the rest.
The one gift that everyone needs and all can receive.
When we consider the songs, scents, sights, and scenes of Christmas, let us remember the reason: the light of the world who gives the light of life came to earth just for me.
Tonight, untangle your heart’s lights in Jesus’ glow. Pray: “Light of the world, shine on me.”
I pray you all have a wonderful Christmas.
Resources
Borgman, Jan. Holiday Grief and the Lessons from Tangled Christmas Lights
MERRY CHRISTMAS and HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Merry Christmas