During Advent, lights of all
shapes, sizes, and levels of brightness appear. They are one of the gifts of
the season that always brings me joy. Dick and I like to take an evening or two
and drive around various neighborhoods looking at the Christmas lights. On our
block alone there are red, green, blue, white, and multi-colored lights powered
by solar, battery, and electric. There are the big vintage bulbs and teensy,
weensy fairy lights. Lights are wrapped around porch rails, encircling trees,
and outlining windows and roof lines. And they all make me smile!
I especially love teeny, tiny lights in any color. They come on a thin thread of wire that’s barely visible. I keep a jar of them on a shelf in our bedroom. Though very small, they can still dispel the darkness even in a room with no outside light.
Without some source of illumination, Dick and I can hardly see our hands in front of our faces. We stumble around and inevitably stub our toes on a chair leg or the bed frame. However, when we turn on these seemingly insignificant pinpoints of light, we can see shapes and details. The light gives me a secure, warm, protected feeling.
Even the smallest of lights is a powerful thing.
Spiritually, we live in a world that is growing ever darker. It is easy to become discouraged; to feel despondent. But John 1:4–5 gives us hope: “The Word [Jesus] gave life to everything that was created, and His life brought light to everyone. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it.”
Just as the tiny specks of light in my bedroom evoke safety and comfort, we can trust in Jesus, the Light of the world, to watch over us and to bring hope and the assurance of God’s love. His presence can drive out any darkness that plagues our lives. His light can help us see life more clearly and reveal obstacles to our spiritual growth.
This Christmas season, as we bask in the twinkling lights of our homes, our churches, our neighborhoods, may they remind us to thank God for Jesus, the Light that overcomes all darkness, the Light that can never be snuffed out.
Be encouraged!
