The Dawning of Light

All throughout the Christmas Season lights take on an important role. We put them on our homes, on trees, in our yards, and throughout our communities. Light is an important part of Christmas because whether people know it or not light is associated with Jesus Christ. In fact, Jesus said, "I am the light of the world, he who follows Me will not walk in the darkness, but will have the light of life" (John 12:46). The other day I was listening to some "celebrities" talk about how enlightened they were as atheists. It got me thinking when a person steps out of the darkness of ignorance spiritually and sin practically, that's when they really become enlightened. That's when they see more than they could ever see before. As John Newton said in that famous hymn, "Amazing Grace": "I once was blind, but now I see." The prophet Isaiah predicted the coming of this light bearer back in a time of darkness (Isa. 9). In the New Testament, Matthew picks up on this theme of light and makes the connection from Isaiah's time to his time and the fulfillment of that prophecy in Jesus Christ. There may be times in life when we see the events of the world and the challenges in our own lives and experience darkness, but Christmas reminds us that whatever happens in life, the light still shines. The good news of Christmas is that in the midst of a great darkness there came a light, not just a temporary flicker but an eternal flame that burns to this day. Those of us who have experienced that light have a job to do. Like the Shepherds who were told the glorious message of joy and hope, we need to take the Good News into dark places. Jesus has given to us the job of carrying His light into the shadows. We are to reflect the light of the Gospel into every dark corner of this earth. Merry Christmas! Pastor Brian Richard