It is imperative to focus on the light in a year where darkness has created difficulty, destruction, and death. That light – Jesus Christ – is the true Light sent into the world to save humanity from itself and reconcile people back to God. The ultimate ‘reason for the season’ is understanding who Jesus is and why He came.

Isaiah 9:6 – “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”

2,800 years ago, the prophet Isaiah spoke about the child Jesus & what would be said about Him. Jesus Christ was the answer to humanity’s fallen state, and God had that planned before the world began. Think about that for a second: when it seemed like there was no answer – that the world would always be the same – that Israel had not heard from the mouth of God for 400 years – when it seemed that there was no hope for humanity, God answered. He had a plan. He always has a plan. When we are in the dark times of our lives and all we have are questions, He has the answer. Not only is the whole world in His Hands, but He sees you individually & has His plans ordained for you! Even when your circumstances seem bleak and you feel the darkness around you from this world…

Remember, We have the Light.

Matthew 4:16 (NLT) – “The people who sat in darkness have seen a great light. And for those who lived in the land whose death cast its shadow, a light has shined.”

I think it’s natural for us to forget the importance of light and the purposes it serves us when we are in the dark. With modern electricity & the flick of a switch, the whole room is lighted. In Jesus’ times, all they had was the light of a candle, which may not be much to our standards but at least lights the way. Oh, how important it was for light, so one doesn’t have to stumble in the darkness!

One candle in complete darkness can light a whole room. Those who were not able to see can see at an instance. On the day of Christ’s birth, in the humble town of Bethlehem, a light shone. Now those who are in the darkness can see the way they need to go.

Imagine what it would be like to hold the baby Jesus, knowing full well of who He was & what He was going to do? Simeon had the blessed opportunity to see Jesus; the Light of the world was in his arms! This is what he said about the child in Luke 2:29-32:

Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying: “Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you may now dismiss your servant in peace. For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all nations: a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of your people Israel.”

Jesus Christ would give glory to Israel as a fulfillment of the promises to come. But not only that, He would be a light to the Gentiles; A light for us to see Him for why He came – the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world. Because Jesus did this for us, we have the Light.

Think about the qualities of light as it relates to who Christ is and how we can remember Him on this Christmas Day and represent Him each day. One of the apparent qualities of light is that it reveals.

Unless you are a full Hebrew, we would still be in darkness – set apart from the promises of God & eternal life. But the light of Christ, revealed through Scripture & spoken to your hearts, has made way for you to come in. It is His light that guides you on the only path of salvation. If we confess with our mouth and believe in our hearts that Jesus Christ is Lord and Savior, we will be saved. There is nothing that you have done to deserve this, no. Thankfully, the light of Christ has shone; You did not light the light ourselves, but His light was revealed to you somehow… through your church, through a friend, through a family member, and so on. You do not deserve eternal life but should be grateful that you have the chance to see the light revealed for your life. And if any choose to believe, the light of Christ is in them. We have the Light.

Additionally, Light is used as a guide in the darkness.

Psalm 119:105 – “Your Word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.”

The Word of God is your guide. Scripture is the navigation of where to go in life & how to get there. We have to remember the importance of this verse – When in darkness, a lamp only brings enough light to see a couple of feet in front of you. As we take each step in the light, more of the path we are supposed to be revealed. If the path turns, since we can see, we will not stumble off the path. The Word will guide us in all that we do.

That’s how it is with life, is it not? We desperately desire to know the whole picture. “What is my calling? God tell me & that will be enough.”
‘When will I get that dream job?”
“That wonderful person to be with?”
“That I will be secure in life?”
“Please give me all the answers now!”

Unfortunately, that’s not how it works. We wish that we could flip on the light switch & know everything at an instance. Yet we live one day at a time and walk one foot in front of the other. The light of Christ will guide us through His Word since He is the Word- The Word was with God & the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through Him all things were made; without Him nothing was made that has been made. 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. (John 1:1-5). Each step in the light will eventually get you to where you need to go. Sometimes, it’s taking a step of faith – as long as it is in the right direction, that’s all that matters. Remember, we have the Light.

Light is also considered the source of life.

John 8:12 – “Then spoke Jesus again to them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that follows me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.”

Light causes things to grow. Without light, things die. Now think about why the Light of Christ was revealed to you… you have the light so you can grow. It is to grow deeper in your relationship with Him. To know the thoughts upon His heart so that you can fulfill them with joy. To flourish in your relationship with others & selflessly love just as He did for you.

It was the light of a star that shone upon the place where Jesus laid that the Magi found Him as stated in Matthew 2. I don’t find it by accident that it was a star that gives light as our sun – S-U-N gives us light, and with it, life. That star, shining on Jesus – the Son – S-O-N, provides us with light and is the source of all life. How much then is it need for us to have life as the Son, S-O-N, being the center of our lives! We have the Light.

This Christmas, let’s remember to reflect upon why He came as the source of life as the bearer of light. We can take some precious moments with our loved ones to read the Christmas story to appreciate His coming. But also, let us not forget that we have the light of Christ in us – as Matthew 5:14 says, “you are the light of the world.” That Christ’s goodness, righteousness, & truth would radiate through you. Your thoughts would be focused on things above, brightening your attitude in this season. Your actions would illuminate the love of Christ. Our words would be filled with encouragement & hope, highlighting the God we serve. Not forgetting that we do not have to fear, or be discouraged, doubtful, or alone, even in what we faced this year for We have the Light. That Light is…

‘The true light that gives light to every man (has come into) the world.’ (John 1:9)

This true Light – the Light of Christ – Has and will forever continue to shine. May His light illuminate and shine brightly through you on this Christmas Day and every day He graciously gives you.

Merry Christmas and have a blessed week!