I confess that I thoroughly enjoy the Christmas season. I could say that I love it, but I reserve the word love for God and His people. I will simply say that I really like Christmas, and the many beautiful things associated with the celebration of Jesus’ birthday. Get-togethers with family and friends, decorating, holiday music, and spending time worshipping God make the season special and unique.

As much as I enjoy the sights, sounds, and smells (think evergreen and cinnamon!) of Christmas, I never forget that Someone created all the things I enjoy so much. John 1:1-5 tells us “In the beginning the Word already existed. The Word was with God, and the Word was God. He existed in the beginning with God. God created everything through him, and nothing was created except through him. The Word gave life to everything that was created, and his life brought light to everyone. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it.”

When I see an incredible light display, as at Harry and Miriam Forster’s home, I remember Jesus is the light of the world, and that His light, the Light of the Word dispels and destroys all darkness. The amazing thing about that Light is that Jesus did not keep it for Himself in heaven, but ” …the Word became human* and made his home among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness.* And we have seen his glory, the glory of the Father’s one and only Son. ” (John 1:14) Jesus put on a human body and brought His Light to the world in an incredible way. He became like us so that we could be like Him. Not only is He THE LIGHT, but he made us lights as well! He said ” You are the light of the world” (Matt 5:14) and ” …..Live clean, innocent lives as children of God, shining like bright lights in a world full of crooked and perverse people.” (Phil 2;15)

As we celebrate Jesus’ birthday and enjoy the Christmas season, let’s remember these two important things: Jesus is the light, and He made us lights in the world. Shine your light for Him, and make your life one that the world desires to emulate. When others come to the light shining in and through us, then we are truly giving the very best gift we have to them: a relationship with Jesus, Who was born in a manger to bring the Light of the Word to all mankind. Let it Shine!