Christmas is indeed a season of light.
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 illumination. If you asked them why, they might be hard-pressed to express more than, “They’re beautiful!”
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 sparkling and dazzling or soft and luminous.
- Safety. Where there is light, we can navigate through our surroundings.
- Comfort. A nightlight offers just that for many a child who is afraid of the dark.
- Hope. Light gleams triumphantly in the darkness at the end of a tunnel.
- Guidance. Light illuminates the way.
Might it be that people respond to light, especially when associated with Christmas, because the human spirit is made to respond to the Light?
Jesus came from the Father who is Light (1 John 1:5), and proclaimed, “I am the Light of the world” (John 8:12).
But that statement is more than symbolic.
God the Son is our 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 our 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 our hope, because of his resurrection. We will be raised from the dead because he was.
“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 exquisite attributes. And we have the opportunity to bask in that beauty.
“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 MSG
God the Father is guidance, characterized by wisdom, compassion, and readiness.
The Light of the world offers us all this and more.
I can’t imagine life without him, can you?
Let’s make time to linger in his Light during this Advent season.
Let’s be watchful for “Glory-moments, awash in his dazzling Light” (Sarah Young).
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How else might we expand our heart-response to Jesus? Please share your thoughts in the comment section below!
Photo credits: http://www.pxhere.com; http://www.wikimedia.com; http://www.tOrangebiz; http://www.flickr.com; http://www.dailyverses.net; http://www.canva.com (3).
(Revised and reblogged from December 2, 2013.)
From the Inside Out 
perfect Christmas column. The light does seem special this time of year.
Thank you, Jean!
Something I read years ago that I have put into practice is to enjoy a “silent night” time of sitting before our beautifully lit tree and imagining that wondrous night thousands of years ago. I picture the Bethlehem sky lit up by the brilliant star…I imagine the sky full of heavenly host declaring the birth of our Savior and I think about the shepherds astonishment and joy with the glorious announcement! I can’t imagine the wonder of seeing the tiny Baby that would change the world! Oh what a night when the Light of the World was born!
What a meaningful tradition, Lisa. I’m putting “Silent Night by the Tree” on my calendar so I remember to celebrate such a worship experience of my own. Thank you for sharing the idea with us!
Hi Nancy,
This is good to enter in the Christmas ready to see the Lord work. It’s a good time for a recharging and renewal.
In Christ,
Gary
Yes, let’s be ready to see the Lord work! We never know when someone along our way might be ready for renewal him/herself, especially now since people’s hearts are often a bit more tender at Christmas time. We can be God’s messengers!
Merry Christmas, too.
All year long I have areas of my home decorated with miniature lights. I find these lights peaceful and comforting; just looking at them calms my spirit. But the Light of the World offers so much more than my artificial lighting. Thanks for the reminder! And it’s so true that I cannot imagine life without Him in my heart! Beautiful Christmas post, Nancy!
Thank you, Cheri. We can enjoy a few Glory-moments under those miniature lights (We have some, too!) as they remind us of the peace and comfort of our Lord Jesus!