The Light is Coming

I love Christmas lights. We drove through town last night and I noticed so many beautifully decorated homes. I am partial to blue lights, but I don't think there is anything more elegant than a house trimmed completely in white lights. A neighbor across the pond from us put up a tall Christmas tree in the middle of November and we have been enjoying its light twinkling - day and night.

The lights remind me that Jesus is the light of the world - yesterday, today and for all of our
tomorrows. His coming was announced long before His birth by prophets:

"Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord rises upon you," (Isaiah 60:1 NIV).

"The sun will no more be your light by day, nor will the brightness of the moon shine on you, for the Lord will be your everlasting light, and your God will be your glory," (Isaiah 60:19 NIV).

Until Jesus came to earth as a man, the Word of God was given so we would know all that God had planned.

"Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path," (Psalm 119:105 NIV).

Jesus arrived as a baby, born of a virgin, in a humble stable in Bethlehem; a brilliant star announced His birth and led the shepherds and wise men to bow before His manger bed.

As Jesus began His ministry, He explained to His followers, both then and now, that His presence has an everlasting affect and effect on our lives. Once we are believers in our Savior, we are forever changed.

"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).

"While I am in the world, I am the light of the world," (John 9:5 NIV).

I especially love the light that glows from a candle. The flickering movement of light makes it seem alive, just like the light of life we have in Jesus.

Jesus said, "You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven," (Matthew 5:14-16 NIV).

The scriptures tell the whole story of Jesus: how His life and light was predicted by prophecies, how He came to earth in the light of a star, how He became the Light of Life for His disciples and for us - still, over 2000 years later! Jesus is our long-awaited Light. Let that warm glow of love and life in Christ Jesus show through us to spread the Good News so others can know His Light in their lives, too.