When we decorate our house for Christmas, we have several houses and settings where votive candles were used. We had to always be careful where we placed them and never let that open flame be allowed to continue unless there was someone checking in every now and then. And then they would burn out. But this year we bought a set of battery powered votive lights that are made to flicker like real candles. So, these are around the family room and in the bathroom miniature houses. They were advertised to last for 200 hours. There are 168 hours in a week, but these little guys have shown their light for 2 weeks now and show no sign of stopping. It really is fun to be able to enjoy them and not worry about safety or needing to shut them down. I thought about how that light just keeps going on day after day. In the Gospel of John, he begins to talk about Jesus coming into the world, but there is no mention of Joseph, Mary, angels or shepherds. Instead, he talks about the light coming into the world. He reminds us that our world is full of darkness. We find ourselves surrounded by dark thoughts, actions and beliefs. But then there is the light, this Jesus of the Bible. It says that this Jesus, who came at Christmas, was responsible for creation itself and that he had given life to every created being. And in coming to us at Christmas, he brought light to everyone. And since then that light shines in the darkness that is still here. But the darkness can never put out this light that he produces and that he is. And like those little votives, no matter how dark it gets, this light, Jesus himself, will keep the light alive. And there is no end in sight. Christmas always seems to make the world seem brighter, but its light really never goes out. It is there for anyone who wants to enjoy and experience this piercing through the darkness of the world around us. So, this Christmas remember that the light that brought life has come as a baby in a manger and brings that light to any who will embrace it. It is the light of God’s presence and glory and goodness and love. And whether you come to light and embrace that light or just ignore it…it isn’t going out. It will be there, pushing back against the dark and bringing the light of life. That light is for you and me. Draw close to this one who comes at
Christmas and step into the light of his glory and grace. He brought it and keeps it here for you and for me and the darkness will never be able to extinguish it. Here’s our Bible verse for today…
John 1:3-5 NLT God created everything through him, and nothing was created except through him. (4) The Word gave life to everything that was created, and his life brought light to everyone. (5) The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it.
Remember I’m praying for you…
PJ
Christmas and step into the light of his glory and grace. He brought it and keeps it here for you and for me and the darkness will never be able to extinguish it. Here’s our Bible verse for today…
John 1:3-5 NLT God created everything through him, and nothing was created except through him. (4) The Word gave life to everything that was created, and his life brought light to everyone. (5) The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it.
Remember I’m praying for you…
PJ