Sharing the Light of the World
“Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life.”
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Advent is essentially a season of light.
Candles and electric lights adorn our homes, yards, Christmas trees, and churches reminding us that Jesus is the “Light of the World.”
Placing lights in windows is a very old tradition. It developed from an early belief that the glow of a candle placed in a window would guide the Christ Child through the darkness to the warmth and safety of the home.
Hundreds of years ago, a lighted window promised hospitality to all – the alien, foreigner, and stranger. It represented the promise that everyone would be welcomed into the home. After all, anyone might be the Christ Child himself or one might be “entertaining angels unaware.”
At the closing of our Christmas Eve service each year, we “pass the flame” in the darkened sanctuary. Starting from the Christ Candle at the center of our Advent wreath, the flame is passed from each person’s candle to the next. The light radiates brighter and brighter until the entire sanctuary glows with the warm light spread to everyone!
This depicts three things: the dark world into which Jesus was born, the radiant light Jesus was born to bring into our world, and the way this light is spread - from person to person.
So, when you see candles, Christmas trees, homes, and yards decked out in lighting displays this Christmas season; rejoice and give thanks. And remember the baby whose birth we celebrate this season was born to be “the Light of the World.”
This tiny babe would one day become the one who challenged us to be “the Light of the World” as well by reflecting Jesus’ light in our lives and sharing this light with people who might need its warmth, acceptance, welcome, and guidance.
Jesus said, “You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hid. People do not light a lamp and put it under the bushel basket; rather, they put it on the lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.” – Matthew 5:14-16
May the light of Christ shine brightly through you this Christmas.
You are loved!
Mark
R. Mark Green
Pastor to Senior Adults and Youth & Children's Music