Jesus---Light of the World by Connie Inglis

I LOVE Christmas. I can't wait to put on the Christmas music and decorate the tree. One of my favourite features of Christmas is the lights. By the time my decorating is done, my house is filled with lights. Throughout December I like to wake early, turn on the tree lights, make a cup of coffee and just sit in the big, cushy chair by the tree. The lights twinkle and the tinsel shimmers and the world is tranquil and harmonious.

As I sit there, sometimes I think about the significance of light surrounding the birth of Jesus. There was lots of light. Every time an angel appeared, there was light. When the angels came to the shepherds, there was more light. And then the wise men followed the light of the star to the place where Jesus lay. All the light was a guide, a lamp leading to Jesus. But they were dim lights in comparison to Jesus. John 1:4,5 says, "In Him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it." And verse 9 calls Him the, "true light." So, there was darkness and SUDDENLY there is Light--brilliant and true and pure and no darkness can ever put it out. Wow! The "Light of the World," as Jesus calls Himself in John 8:12.

But wait--that's not the end. Jesus then turns around and tells us that as His followers, we are the light of the world. He gives us His light. 2 Corinthians 4:6 says, "For God who said, 'Let light shine out of darkness,' made His light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God's glory displayed in the face of Christ." Just as suddenly we, as earthen vessels, are filled with a treasure, His light and glory. All because of Jesus. And He gave it to us to shine.

Consider the lighting of one candle. It lights up part of a room. Add another candle and another and another--the more lights the brighter the light, the brighter the room. It's a quality of light that cannot be denied and it reminds me of the importance of community when shining for Jesus. Jesus compares our light to a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. A city of lights, a community of believers, shines much brighter than a single house light. We, you and I, are also part of a community--a community of writers that dispel the darkness through words of encouragement and hope, words of Love and Light. Jesus wants us to shine as community for Him.

I want to share this Christmas song by Third Day with you. It speaks about Jesus coming down, the Light of the World. As you listen to it and as you read the Scripture references, be encouraged. And may your Christmas be FILLED with the light of Jesus.