Light
Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you. For behold, darkness shall cover the earth, and thick darkness the peoples; but the Lord will arise upon you, and his glory will be seen upon you. And nations shall come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your rising. A multitude of camels shall cover you, the young camels of Midian and Ephah; all those from Sheba shall come. They shall bring gold and frankincense, and shall bring good news, the praises of the Lord. The sun shall be no more your light by day, nor for brightness shall the moon give you light; but the Lord will be your everlasting light, and your God will be your glory.
(Isaiah 60:1-3, 6, 19)
Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”
(John 8:12)
Incredible! All nations coming to the light of the Savior. Wise men bringing gold and frankincense. Angels heralding good news of great joy. The Lord Jesus outshining the sun and moon and stars. Let us arise! Let us shine! For the LIGHT OF THE WORLD has come!
One of my absolute favorite parts of the Christmas season is how everywhere one goes, twinkling lights sparkle and shimmer. It's truly a magical feeling. Candles in windowsills. Christmas trees strung with countless shining bulbs. Houses and towns laced with the beauty of light. Nighttime becomes a spectacular display of glory, bright color, and vast illumination. A special tradition for my family has been to visit Longwood Gardens in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania during the wintertime. Walking through the garden trails we witness the incredible scenes of a winter-wonderland and marvel at the light show. There is something so stunning about the simple beauty of sheer light.
If you and I step back and think about it, it becomes so evident that every light created is just a mere resemblance, yet does not even compare, to the grandeur of the One Eternal Light- our Creator and Savior. As we appreciate the beauty of light this season, may it direct our hearts to the Light of Christ, and remind us that He has the power to shatter every corner of darkness. May we remember too, that we are called to be agents of His light, for even the smallest candle can pierce the dark shadows and bring the hope of glory.
The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.
(John 1:5)
The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear?
The LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?
(Psalm 27:1)
For God, who said, "Let light shine out of darkness," has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.
(2 Corinthians 4:6)
