One of the many things I love this time of year are the lights. Maybe it’s because winter can be so dark, with night coming early and the overcast days. It can also be dark in an emotional way too. You miss family members who live far away or who have passed on. Or money becomes tight as bills come in and your Christmas list grows. Or you find yourself all alone at Christmas.

There is something about Christmas lights that make me pause and forget the sadness and darkness that can accompany this time of year. I like to sit on my couch and just look at them, sparkling all over my Christmas tree. Usually I have a hot cup of tea in one hand and soft music playing in the background. As I sit, I feel the tension inside me slowly loosen. Light reminds me there is hope, even in the darkness. Light is hope.

As I prepared for Christmas this year (and for this blog post), I realized there are many references to Jesus being light, especially when it comes to His birth.

“Because of God’s tender mercy, the morning light from heaven is about to break upon us, to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death…” Luke 1:78-79

“The Word gave life to everything that was created, and His life brought light to everyone. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it.” John 1:4-5

“The one who is the true light, who gives light to everyone, was coming into the world.” John 1:9

Light is most noticeable in the darkness. You can’t help but see it, your gaze automatically turns toward it. Light warms the heart and drives away fear. So this Christmas, as you gaze at the lights, remember there was one special light that came. The Light of all lights, Jesus Christ.