Lightpost Pt.3 (Christmas Eve)
Walking in the Light
In a heartwarming tale, young Johnny's fear of the dark pantry while helping his mother make cookies offers a profound metaphor for our own fears of the unknown and the unseen. Hesitant to grab a bag of chocolate chips, Johnny's reluctance speaks volumes about how darkness affects us — fostering isolation, uncertainty, and the potential for harm.
Christmas lights, now a staple of holiday decor, have a rich history that began with Martin Luther. The father of the Protestant Reformation was said to have decorated a Christmas tree with candles around 1510. This tradition evolved over the centuries, from candleholders in the 1890s to the first string of electric lights by Edward Johnson in 1882. These lights, initially a luxury, became widespread over 50 years later, symbolizing a significant transformation from darkness to light.
Despite the ubiquity of artificial lights, they cannot resolve the spiritual darkness prevalent in the world. This is where the true essence of Christmas comes into play. The birth of Jesus Christ, the 'Light of the World', was a divine response to a world submerged in selfishness and disconnection. It was a moment where the infinite became an infant, the giver became the gift, and God himself entered time and space to become one of us.
It is important to embrace the spiritual light that Jesus offers. In order to do that it's about more than acknowledging His light; it includes walking in His light. This involves a transformation from a life of separation and disconnection to one bound to the true light of Christ. Scriptural references like John 8:12 and Ephesians 5:8-14 underscore the importance of not just being in the light but also acting as beacons of this light through integrity, moral courage, and godly character.
You can’t stay in your corner of the forest waiting for others to come to you.
You have to go to them sometimes. — Winnie the Pooh
It is time for Christians to actively share Christ's light. It's about rising from complacency and shining brightly in service, love, grace, truth, and generosity. The message is clear: it's time to rise and shine, reflecting the glory and brilliance of the Lord in a world often shrouded in darkness.
Arise to a new life, be radiant with the glory and brilliance of the Lord;
for your light has come,
and the glory and brilliance of the Lord has risen upon you.
For in fact, darkness will cover the earth. And deep darkness will cover the peoples;
But the Lord will rise upon you and His glory and brilliance will be seen on you.
The nations will come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your rising. — Isaiah 60:1-3
The journey from darkness to divine light is not just a seasonal transformation but a lifelong quest. You are called to seek, believe in, receive, and walk in the light of Christ. In doing so, may our lives not only reflect this divine light but also become a source of warmth and guidance for others lost in the shadows.
In a heartwarming tale, young Johnny's fear of the dark pantry while helping his mother make cookies offers a profound metaphor for our own fears of the unknown and the unseen. Hesitant to grab a bag of chocolate chips, Johnny's reluctance speaks volumes about how darkness affects us — fostering isolation, uncertainty, and the potential for harm.
Christmas lights, now a staple of holiday decor, have a rich history that began with Martin Luther. The father of the Protestant Reformation was said to have decorated a Christmas tree with candles around 1510. This tradition evolved over the centuries, from candleholders in the 1890s to the first string of electric lights by Edward Johnson in 1882. These lights, initially a luxury, became widespread over 50 years later, symbolizing a significant transformation from darkness to light.
Despite the ubiquity of artificial lights, they cannot resolve the spiritual darkness prevalent in the world. This is where the true essence of Christmas comes into play. The birth of Jesus Christ, the 'Light of the World', was a divine response to a world submerged in selfishness and disconnection. It was a moment where the infinite became an infant, the giver became the gift, and God himself entered time and space to become one of us.
It is important to embrace the spiritual light that Jesus offers. In order to do that it's about more than acknowledging His light; it includes walking in His light. This involves a transformation from a life of separation and disconnection to one bound to the true light of Christ. Scriptural references like John 8:12 and Ephesians 5:8-14 underscore the importance of not just being in the light but also acting as beacons of this light through integrity, moral courage, and godly character.
You can’t stay in your corner of the forest waiting for others to come to you.
You have to go to them sometimes. — Winnie the Pooh
It is time for Christians to actively share Christ's light. It's about rising from complacency and shining brightly in service, love, grace, truth, and generosity. The message is clear: it's time to rise and shine, reflecting the glory and brilliance of the Lord in a world often shrouded in darkness.
Arise to a new life, be radiant with the glory and brilliance of the Lord;
for your light has come,
and the glory and brilliance of the Lord has risen upon you.
For in fact, darkness will cover the earth. And deep darkness will cover the peoples;
But the Lord will rise upon you and His glory and brilliance will be seen on you.
The nations will come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your rising. — Isaiah 60:1-3
The journey from darkness to divine light is not just a seasonal transformation but a lifelong quest. You are called to seek, believe in, receive, and walk in the light of Christ. In doing so, may our lives not only reflect this divine light but also become a source of warmth and guidance for others lost in the shadows.
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