The Light We Need at Christmas

There's something about this time of year. It may take me back to being a child. Filled with much awe and wonder at the sights and sounds of the season.

I feel so much anticipation around Christmas. For me, it's not about the gifts, the places to be, or the thought of holiday baking (I love the sweets, but I know I am not a baker). It's not even the decorations, the music, or the continuous Hallmark movies, which I love dearly.

It's hope.

I feel it. I see it. I know it.

With each candle glowing in the window. In the notes of familiar Christmas carols. Through genuine acts of kindness from and for those around us. In the simplicity of being together with those who mean so much to us.

It's there.

I love Christmas lights. I remember so many times, as a young child, when our family would drive around looking at Christmas decorations. We would wait in long lines to ride through extravagant displays and ride through neighborhood after neighborhood, looking at the lights. It was always one of my favorite things to do. I remember even in college, my friends and I would go out many evenings to check out the lights.

There's hope in the light.

There's hopeful anticipation stirring inside many of us this time of year. Amidst the hustle and bustle, don't lose sight of the Hope of Heaven. The light that came to fill up every ounce of darkness that tries to creep inside our lives.

The Hope of Heaven was born in a manger. He came to save our lives. It's not meant just to be something we hear this time of year.

Without this hope, I know I would not make it. Without the grace and mercy of God, there would be no drive to keep on keeping on. I've been reminded that this grace and mercy aren't just present around Christmas, but rather every single day, 365 days of the year.

With so much negativity and darkness in our world, a little more light in our lives would be welcome. I love the light that illuminates the room when you turn on the Christmas tree or plug in the candles in the windows. The sense of peace and stillness, driving down the road, and seeing the simplicity of the decorations. It's not pitch-black darkness; there are glimmers of light all around.

I imagine what it was like before Jesus was born. There was talk of a coming Messiah. One who would change the world as they knew it. Here we are thousands of years later, awaiting the Messiah's return.

I love the verses in Isaiah 9:2-7 (NKJV).

The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; Those who dwelt in the land of the shadow of death, upon them a light has shined. You have multiplied the nation and increased its joy; They rejoice before you according to the joy of harvest, as men rejoice when they divide the spoil.  For You have broken the yoke of his burden and the staff of his shoulder, The rod of his oppressor, as in the day of Midian.  For every warrior’s sandal from the noisy battle, and garments rolled in blood, will be used for burning and fuel of fire.

For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.  Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end, Upon the throne of David and over His kingdom, to order it and establish it with judgment and justice from that time forward, even forever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.

The prophet Isaiah describes the One who would bring Light that would ultimately shatter any and every bit of darkness. Jesus.

There's no reason to be afraid because there's light in the darkness. There's a twinkle on the horizon and a stir in our souls. The light radiates peace.

I don't know about you, but I've needed light this Christmas season. I've needed hope. A reminder that God is and will be orchestrating all of the pieces of my life today and forever. Life has been hard and heavy lately. Not just for me, but for many I know.

I'm spending a little extra time this season with the lights. I may leave them all up a bit longer because they remind me of the Hope of Heaven. It's not about sticking to what others and society say we should do; it's about the joy and peace in our souls. The soft white light reminds me of hope. It's the light I need this Christmas.

Don't let this season go by without noticing Jesus; without taking in the One True Light in our dark world. Be kind to yourself and to those around you. There is Hope that will transcend any dark season. Take in the sights and sounds of Christmas. No matter what I may face in my life, I still believe in the Hope of Christmas. I still believe in Jesus.