I have a very distinct memory of Christmas growing up in Winter Haven, Florida. It involved the town’s water tower:
You can see in this photo the palm trees … not much of a “wintery” feel for Christmas where I grew up. But, every year I’d climb the “world’s best climbing tree” to my perch at the very top … and just over the next couple of roofs, there it was. The water tower lit in glorious white lights in a circular fashion around the top and then vertically up and down the legs of the tower. The lights danced in motion. To a 12 year old at the top of a tree it was spectacular, it was ‘Christmas magic.’
The Christmas story has it’s own light show. The star of course, guiding the Wise Men. Also the ‘Glory of the Lord’ and the ‘Heavenly Host’ from Luke 2:8-20 which startled the Shepherds who were keeping watch over their flocks by night.
These two lights pale in comparison to the Light described by John … “In Him (Jesus) was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” (John 1:4-5) The tiny child King, Jesus, was and remains to this day the LIGHT OF MEN.
My hope for us is that we have a bright Christmas. At age 12 I only knew the decorative lights of Christmas. Then, I did not know the True Light of Christmas. But now I do! Let’s enjoy the decorations for they are meant to point us to Him who is our Light.
Thank you to all of you who decorate with festive lights. 12 year old’s appreciate it! And thank you for sharing the True Light with others this Christmas season.
Prayer: “Dear God, turn the Light on bigger and brighter than ever this Christmas! Amen.”