The Light of Christmas

Do you have a Christmas tradition in your family or ever had one? Maybe it is the annual Christmas tree hunt, making a gingerbread house, going to the local Christmas parade, or the Christmas Eve dinner together as a family. Family traditions solicit memories of the past, joy in the present, and expectations for the future.

One of our families’ favorite traditions and one that I grew up with, is going to look at Christmas lights. Christmas itself is about celebrating THE light! Scripture shows us that Jesus is the light that was sent into the darkness to be reveal His glory, majesty, and give each of us an opportunity to have a relationship with Him so that we could have eternal life. Scripture also shows that you and I have an opportunity to share that light.  Briefly read Luke 2:8-9, Matthew 2:2, John 8:12, and Matthew 5:14-16.

The thing about light is that it gives us direction. When there is light, darkness is absent. We see things more clearly and know exactly where we are going. Light is comforting. Like a warm blanket on a cold winter night, it brings warmth and arguably even a feeling of “home.” Light also dispels fear. Specifically, drawing closer to THE light we know our Creator walks with us.

This Christmas season focus on the one light that came as a baby boy in Jesus. Reflect on Him and His light. Give the dark uncertainties of your life to Him and replace them with joy knowing that our Heavenly Father loves you. For the next few weeks our family ministry staff hopes that you will find direction, hope, comfort, and peace in the One who was sent as light to the world.  A familiar song that we all here this time of year captures perfectly the birth of Jesus meant for the world then and for us today.  Ever more, our “weary world” today can find joy in Christ.  May we all be filled will a “thrill of hope” this Christmas as we focus on Him.

O Holy Night! The stars are brightly shining,
It is the night of the dear Savior’s birth.
Long lay the world in sin and error pining.
Till He appeared and the Soul felt its worth.
A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices,
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn.
Fall on your knees! Oh, hear the angel voices!
O night divine, the night when Christ was born;

Family Challenge:

Drive around this Christmas season looking at the lights while listening to a few of the following songs together focusing on the true meaning of the season:

• Light of the World, Lauren Daigle
• Behold, Phil Wickham/Anne Wilson
• Christmas Day, Chris Tomlin
• King of Kings/Angels We Have Heard On High, Maverick City