Light of the World Joy

December 17, 2022

“And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear.

Luke 2:8-9 ESV

Angels showed up in the night to tell the shepherds, bringing light into the darkness.

“… wise men … came, … saying, “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.””

from Matthew 2:1-2 ESV

A star showed up in the heavens to tell the wise men a new King has been born.

Lights are for celebrations.

We decorate with lights to make a place festive, sparkling, joyful. We choose surfaces that will reflect and scatter light—sequins, sparkles, glitter, cut glass and mirrors.

Lights bring joy. And Christmas is a time to rejoice, despite the state of the world around us, despite the oppression of God’s people, despite the sorrow and struggle in our lives. We rejoice because God sends His light into our darkness.

God decorates and celebrates with lights too! Like stars scattered throughout the sky, decorating the night. And the special star announcing and celebrating Jesus’ birth. (Conversely, when Jesus died, there was darkness in the middle of the afternoon.)

At birth, a bright star, light in the night. The coming of Jesus to earth, and to our hearts, is cause for celebration and rejoicing. 

Consider:

Consider, when do you add extra lights?

What kinds of light mean celebration to you?

Remember:

When you see lights decorating trees, homes, and other spaces, remember God announced Jesus’ birth with light in the heavens and light in the fields.

Share:

How do you decorate with light?

How can you bring light to dark places?