Christmas is a season of lights.
Candles glow and twinkling lights glimmer from houses, buildings, and trees.
People love all the flickering and shimmering! Some spend weeks decorating their yards and rooftops in spectacles of light. If you asked them why, they might be hard-pressed to express more than, “They’re beautiful, that’s all.”
But perhaps it’s more than just aesthetics. Perhaps it’s a heart-response.
Light is symbolic for:
- Beauty. Light grabs our attention, whether it’s soft and luminous, or sparkling and dazzling. It can also be refracted into a glorious spectrum of colors.
- Safety. Where there is light, we can see our surroundings.
- Comfort. A nightlight offers just that for many a child who is afraid of the dark.
- Hope. Light gleams triumphantly over the darkness, at the end of a tunnel.
- Guidance. Light illuminates the way.
Might it be that people are drawn to the lights of Christmas because the human spirit is drawn to the Light?
Jesus said, “I am the Light of the world (John 8:12). He is Light because God the Father is Light (1 John 1:5).
And the Light of God the Father and God the Son is not merely symbolic.
God the Son is safety, because he offers eternal life. “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand.” (John 10:28-29).
God the Father is comfort, because he is loving and compassionate. “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles” (2 Corinthians 1:3-4a).
God the Son is hope, because of his resurrection. He was raised from the dead, and we will be also. “In his great mercy [God] has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade—kept in heaven for you” (1 Peter 1:3b-4).
God the Father is beauty, because of all his glorious attributes. “I’m asking God for one thing…To live with him in his house my whole life long. I’ll contemplate his beauty; I’ll study at his feet” (Psalm 27:4, The Message).
God the Father is guidance. “He will guide you always” (Isaiah 58:11a).
Christmas lights cast a soft glow; spotlights illuminate large areas. But Jesus said, “I am the Light of the World.” To every person in every corner, he offers his Light.
Let’s make time to linger in his dazzling Light this season!
“Blessed are those…who walk in the light of your presence, O Lord” (Psalm 89:15)!
(photo and art credits: www.onebestwall.com, http://www.moyerlawncare.com, http://www.8thfire.net, http://www.naturewatcher.wordpress.com)
From the Inside Out 
I love the lights during Advent. It is like some new environment descends upon the earth. I think light means hope to me. That no matter how dark, God will always light the way for me. lovely photos here today too
You’re right, Jean. Christmas lights do create a new environment that invigorates the soul. And I’m praising God with you that he will always light our way. May your Advent season be filled with blessing, Jean!
What a wonderful, light-filled reminder of what our hearts are looking for and what this season is truly about, namely the Light of the World and Emmanuel, God with us! Thanks so much, dearest Nancy!
You’re welcome, Heidi. I’m honored the post was meaningful to you. You’ve brought to “light” (!) another aspect of our God of Light: his constant presence. He’s like an eternal flame of love, peace, and joy in our hearts, isn’t he. Thank you for your insight, Heidi! And may your Advent season be filled with blessing, too.
Lovely post, Nancy. I recently came across a verse I have read many times yet never really saw, if you know what I mean. Matthew 5:14, Jesus tells his disciples, “You are the light of the world.” I thought this odd at first because He is the light of the world. But He lives within us, yes? What a concept! I think if we could truly grasp and live in the reality of this, His light would become so apparent to those around us–they would be drawn to us for that sense of warmth, safety, and love. It’s easy to forget that it is His light in us that will draw others, not our knowledge or eloquence. This is a great reminder of what it is we should seek during this hectic season. The Light of the World. Nothing more. Nothing less.
Beautifully said, Rebeca! Your comments here could easily become a prayer– that Jesus would indeed glow from within each of us, that others might be drawn to his love, safety, joy, and peace. Thank you for your thoughtful response!
It is a time of the year to celebrate the Light of the World’s birth. Thank you Nancy for you inspiring words at this Christmas season. God bless you.
God IS blessing–every day! Thank you, Laura. My prayer is that you, too, are enjoying an Advent season glowing with His Light!
I, too, love the artificial light displayed outside and inside our homes during this Season of Christ’s birth. It gives me a sense of peace, contentment, and joy. As someone earlier put it…as a child of the Lord I pray that my personality and attitude reflect back to others the Light of the Lord that is within me. Somewhat the way the sun on newly fallen snow (which we had in Ohio today) reflects crystals of all shapes and sizes upwards to me.
Oh, yes! The Light of the world does give us peace, contentment, and joy. And reflecting those qualities to others is highly gratifying. ‘Love your imagery of sunlight on newly fallen snow. A perfect picture of thousands of Jesus-followers reflecting His glory!