Out of the darkness, into the light
One of my favorite parts of the Christmas season is the abundance of lights. On every street corner, in neighborhoods, storefronts, and even main streets throughout the country, if it is still it will be covered with lights.
I have even seen abandoned vehicles covered in lights.
While all the lights are great and it is a matter of choice, my favorite would be the white lights. For many years we have chosen to use white lights for our Christmas decorations and this year is no exception.
When you walk outside on a cold December night, your heart seems to warm from the peaceful glow of many white lights.
Maybe this goes back to the night Christ was born. The star in the East provided proof of the long awaited savior’s birth. The light from the band of angels announcing His birth could only have been described as magnificent. His birth would bring light and life into the world. Light is necessary for life to exist.
Humans or even plants cannot live or function for an extended period of time without it.
During the creation God spoke light into existence, “Let there be light.” (Genesis 1:3) Even in the darkest of nights the stars above remind us that the Creator is still in His heaven and we are not alone. God is with us.
During the Christmas season, Christians over the entire world celebrate the birth of the Prince of Peace. In the celebration, we light candles, string lights, and even spotlight symbols of the manger scene. Ironically the verse of the day from Bible Gateway today was:
When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said: “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” (John 8:12 NIV).
Jesus spoke those words while defending his testimony. What a promise that He gives us. May we all enjoy the light of Christmas this year. Most of all we can take the light our Savior brought into our lives and share it with those who have not yet discovered the peace and hope that He brings. In sharing our bounty with those less fortunate, we keep the light of Christ alive, in a world that otherwise would be as dark as a dungeon.
Randy Garrison is the president and publisher of the Hartselle Enquirer.