There is a first time for everything. On Saturday evening we stretched our outdoor Christmas lights across the short divide between our home and continued them to our neighbours, in response to our neighbour’s question, “Do you have any extra lights to share?” David detached the string that had continued down the side of our house and moved them to the front of our neighbour’s home. Our homes are joined by the light.

Lights, a common decoration in the celebration of Christmas, help tell the Christmas story. They remind us of the brilliant angel lit skies that startled the shepherds, and the steady light of the eastern star that gave direction to the kings. Above all they remind us of the Light (capital L) that came into the world.

Before Jesus was born Zechariah the prophet said, “The mercy of our God is very tender, and heaven’s dawn is about to break upon us, to give light to those who sit in darkness and death’s shadow, and to guide us to the path of peace” (Luke 1:78-79). 

John said, “The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world” (John 1:9).

Aged Simeon, who had been told, by the Spirit, that he would see Christ the Lord before his death said, “Now I can die content! For I have seen him as you promised me I would. I have seen the Savior you have given to the world. He is the light that will shine upon the nations (Luke 2:29-31).

Jesus himself said, ““I am the LIGHT of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.” (John 8:12).

Jesus, the Light, entered our world at Christmas. His light will never dim, be snuffed out, or die. He is endless and ageless light. Uncontained, His light moves across nations. It shines into dark homes, communities, and lives, filling with light, dispelling darkness. The Light, Jesus, joins believers together,  uniting all who believe as one family. Imagine a long string of lights! Joined, through Jesus, together they shine his light in this world.

Outdoor lights were joined for the first time in our household. Voices of praise have been joined throughout the ages. We join our voices to sing the Christmas story. Together, may we rest on verse three – “light and life to all he brings.” Today may we receive, and shine, the light of Jesus. 

108: Hark! The Herald Angels Sing

1. Hark! the herald angels sing:
Glory to the newborn king;
Peace on earth and mercy mild,
God and sinners reconciled.
Joyful, all ye nations rise,
Join the triumph of the skies;
With the angelic host proclaim,
Christ is born in Bethlehem.

Hark! the herald angels sing:
Glory to the newborn king.

2. Christ, by highest Heaven adored,
Christ, the everlasting Lord,
Late in time behold Him come,
Offspring of a virgin's womb.
Veiled in flesh the Godhead see;
Hail the incarnate Deity!
Pleased as man with man to dwell,
Jesus, our Immanuel.

3. Hail the Heaven born Prince of Peace!
Hail the Sun of righteousness!
Light and life to all He brings,
Risen with healing in His wings.
Mild He lays His glory by,
Born that man no more may die,
Born to raise the sons of earth,
Born to give them second birth.

God of light, in you there is no darkness.  Thank you that through Jesus you choose to shine your light in us, giving us the light of life. You also join us together as one family radiating your light!  We join our voices to pray for those around the world who are persecuted for carrying your light.  Silence those who oppress and alienate. Draw them, as you have all believers, from darkness into the light of your marvelous grace and mercy. AMEN

With care and in prayer,