Really no other way to say it, I just love it. I love preparing for it in anticipation of the time to come. I love the kindness of the season that isn’t always evident at other times, I just love it.
One of my favorite aspects of Christmas is the lights. The tree in my home when I was growing up had lights and no ornaments. It was stunning. I love to drive the streets in town and marvel at the creativity of those who so beautifully decorate their homes. I love my home in the morning when all is calm, and the only lights are the ones from the tree.
The light of Christmas might seem a bit pale compared to other years. Heaviness of our hearts, uncertainty of the future may have caused our eyes to miss the brilliance of the season. It may be caused by the lack of the things we simply call Christmas. Each home is different, yours would look different than mine.
How about if we all together start a new tradition. Let’s all take a walk together to a place that the light not only hasn’t paled, but is shining even brighter in such a dark time as this. Let’s take a walk to the manger. We don’t have to clean up or take a shower before we go. We don’t have to have our act together and pretend all is well. We don’t have to be dressed in our finest. We can be sad and not be ashamed. We can come with great joy or sorrow. The babe in the manger will welcome us just as we are.
Simple but yet so amazing. The true Christmas light, Jesus never dims. John 1:9 The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world. John 8:12 When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”
My prayer for me and for you is as we stand at the manger we get it. We understand that he truly is a gift to me and to you. Not a gift to be taken to lightly, but one that came at great cost. The darkness isn’t Christmas it is the sin in my heart. Give it to Christ this Christmas and you watch the brilliance of the light that takes its place.
