Key Verses:
“And night will be no more. They will need no light of lamp or sun, for the Lord God will be their light, and they will reign forever and ever.” — Revelation 22:5, English Standard Version
“You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father. — Matthew 5:14-16, New Living Translation
Today’s Reading: Luke 2:1-14
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Growing up, there were few joys I gravitated towards more than Christmas lights. Every year, December would roll around, and I knew it was a matter of time before our lifeless street was adorned and turned into a green, red, blue and gold symphony of illumination. My seven-year-old self could hardly contain the excitement.
Looking back, it’s no mystery why I marveled at the sparkle.
You can’t help but be drawn to light. In the midst of darkness, light is a hopeful promise that there is something radiant waiting to be found. You can’t create darkness where there is light, but you can certainly make light in the midst of darkness. Darkness is always at the mercy of light.
Light can’t help but change things. A lightbulb opens up a room, helping you find the earring you thought was lost. Sunlight signals the start of a day and awakens your body each morning.
And on Christmas Day, you are invited to celebrate that Jesus, the Light of Life, overcame not only the external darkness of death and suffering, but helps you walk through the world today.
As the pillar of light led the Israelites through the desert at night, so Jesus leads you through the darkness of your own despair, pain, uncertainty and loss. He invites you to cast all your cares on Him and trust Him with where to step next. And as you walk in light of Jesus, a wonderfully obvious thing happens — you begin to reflect light more and more.
When Jesus teaches that His followers are a city on a hill, I can’t help but picture my bright little street on Christmas Eve. The twinkles bring a comforting glow as they pierce through the night sky. And because of the brightness, others can see my street shining from far away.
Following Christ can have that same effect because the change Jesus causes in us beams out noticeably. With great hope, you can tell this groaning world that the story doesn’t end with darkness. The last book of the Bible reveals the ultimate ending:
“And night will be no more. They will need no light of lamp or sun, for the Lord God will be their light, and they will reign forever and ever” (Revelation 22:5, ESV).
So, until the day that His presence quite literally lights our path, let’s join Him in lighting the path for others.
Merry Christmas! The Light has come.
Reflect:
What is a place in your life that you long to see Jesus shine light into? How could you shine Jesus’ light more into the darkness of the world?
Pray:
Lord, thank You for Your light. Because of the Word — Jesus in the flesh — I am not alone in my journey. Help me to remember that the same God who spoke light into existence has spoken light over me. Please break into the dark, seemingly impossible places in my life. Help me to remember that You have overcome the darkness. And as I encounter You, help me to be a light for others — always pointing them to Your goodness and truth.
This holiday season, is there someone you want to point to Jesus? Would you like help starting or having that conversation?
We have a recommendation for you: GodTools® is a free app by Cru that can help you bring the hope of Christ to the people in your life, one conversation at a time.
Your neighbors, friends and family benefit by hearing the life-giving gospel and seeing the light of Christ shine out through your actions. We hope you try GodTools and find ways to engage with those around you about the message of Jesus.
Learn how to take your conversations deeper with GodTools this Christmas season.
Michelle LeMaster serves as a journalist for Cru®. As a born and bred lover of cities, Michelle currently resides in New York City with her husband, Seth, and their goldendoodle, Ruby, who daily reminds her to (literally) stop and smell the roses.
Get some ideas to turn holiday conversations — from Christmas to New Year's Day — toward Jesus.
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