Read Luke 2:1-21.
Years ago, I went elk hunting with my son. On the way back to camp, my flashlight went out and I ended up stuck on a narrow log over a water crossing in complete and utter darkness. A few weeks ago, I packed my summer sleeping bag and restlessly tossed and turned throughout the 20-degree night on a hiking trip with my grandson. Once again, it was pitch black and I was in a horrible situation.
I vividly remember both of these dark nights and the joy of morning’s light. I also vividly recall the years I lived in total spiritual darkness until Christ’s light dawned in my life.
Do me a favor and take a second to remember your days in the dark. Then close your eyes and pretend you are lost again. This time, you’re without knowledge of God and have no access to a Bible or believer. You’re hopeless and without direction. Then you hear the gospel story and the Name of Jesus for the first time. Light burst forth in your dark world.
That’s what our world experienced at the first cry of the Christ child. Repeatedly God uses “light” to describe Jesus. Here are just a few examples:
- “…the people living in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned.” -Matthew 4:16
- “The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world.” –John 1:9
- “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
Through the gospel, the light of Jesus Christ transfers to His disciples—you and me. We are the light of the world (Matthew 5:14), children of the light (Ephesians 5:8), proclaimers of His marvelous light (1 Peter 2:9), and the list continues.
This time of year is riddled with controversy as companies—like Starbucks and their red cup—are ridiculed for removing Christ from the Christmas season. Frankly, I’m not surprised because they’re not Christian companies and they should be simply recognized for who they are and what their agenda is.
As followers of Jesus, we can rest assured that no attempt to erase Christ will work. He is alive and well. Every light hung on trees, homes, and stores testifies to the light of Christ spreading and illuminating hearts with unspeakable joy. This week and always, let’s rejoice that His light shines in our lives and answer our call to shine it into the lives of those still captive to spiritual darkness.
Let every light you see this year—in a Starbucks window or on your own tree—be a reminder that Jesus is the light of the world and we no longer walk in darkness.
God, thank You for giving us the ridiculous gift of grace through Your Son. Help us rejoice in the Light of Christ and burn bright in the world’s spiritually darkest places—at home and overseas. Amen.
-written by our Executive Vice President of Field Ministries