Among the things I love this time of year are the lights adorning fences, houses, and trees. As we pass houses our eyes are even caught by the decorative illumination visible through the windows as the festiveness of the lights is even appreciated indoors. They are beautiful. They are cheerful. They illuminate. And that is what light does.
For some, this time of year is only about the ornamental, while for others it is about something extraordinary that happened not only according to Scripture, but also in the setting of history. Though we do not know the exact date, Luke provided the historical setting for the birth of Jesus where we read. . .
“(1) In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. (2) This was the first registration when Quirinius was governor of Syria. (3) And all went to be registered, each to his own town. (4) And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, (5) to be registered with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. 6 And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. (7) And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.” (Luke 2:1-7 ESV)
In an historical setting in this earthly realm, our Lord came onto life’s scene. It was also during the days of Herod the king. (Matthew 2:1) And for the long anticipated Messiah Who would be the “true light” (John 1:9) and be known as the “light of the world” (John 8:12; John 9:5), there was light even associated with His birth. As the shepherds were watching their flocks by night, the glory of the Lord shone around them (Luke 2:9) and when given the good news of great joy, they went and saw. Sometime after the birth, we read of the magi who saw the light of the star and followed it to where He was, went into the house, and worshipped Him. (Matthew 2:1-12)
So, here’s the thing: we cannot think of Jesus without thinking of light! Nor should we! Let us therefore love Him and love the light He provides to our understanding and for our life journey toward the Heavenly glory He wants us to share with Him. Jesus does not only have His place in history, but is to have His rightful place in our daily life. That means we will not be walking in darkness but will bring Him glory by being His lights to the world around us. (Matthew 5:14-16; Philippians 2:15) May we love walking in the light as we receive His ongoing cleansing of our sins (1 John 1:7) and are enabled to draw the attention of others toward the One Who is the reason for life presently and eternally!
Have a great day LOVING BEING IN THE LIGHT AND BEING A LIGHT FOR THE LORD!
Carl
