Christmas is often called the “season of lights”…Christmas lights, candle lights, and for some…too many Coors and Bud Lights. Personally, I enjoy the lights! When our children were young, I loved putting lights on our home. I wanted Christmas for them to be memorable and magical. I would work for two weeks just getting all the lights put on the house, the trees, and on all the bushes. But for me, the focal point was the stable with Mary, Joseph, and the baby Jesus, surrounded by the animals. Kristin and Nathan would dress up and play the shepherds who had come to worship Him on that first night when God sent His Son into our world.
Last night, I finally put up the outside lights on our home. There are less lights than before, but the focal point of the yard is a beautiful nativity that my brother-in-law Ross built. My neighbor drove up and gave me compliments on my lights, and then said, “Are we the only ones who put Jesus out in our yard?” I really hadn’t thought about it much, but when I drove through the neighborhood later, he was right. There are many homes with lights, Santas, and other decorations, but very few outward symbols reflecting Jesus.
I wonder why so many Christian homes have no witness about Jesus at Christmas? Is it because we’re too busy? Is it because we think it trivializes the message? Would it even make a difference if every Christian decorated with a desire to witness for Christ? I’m just wondering…
I also wonder about the homes that are not decorated…what is the spirit that resides in those homes? I wonder if the people do not share the spirit of the season? Does the darkness indicate darkness within? Do these people not feel a connection to Christmas? Maybe they are traveling to celebrate elsewhere, or they don’t share our beliefs. Perhaps they are still searching for Christ. They may be facing difficult challenges, or loved ones who are ill, or facing Christmas without their loved one? Maybe they struggle with their own faith at this time of the year. If so, I pray that it is only a temporary condition, and that they will realize that He is always with us.
At times, however, I cannot help but reflect that the contrast between the dark homes and the lighted ones is like that of Christians today. The message of Christmas is summed up in the words from John 1, “In Him was life, and that life was the light of all people.” That is wonderful news! Jesus is the light for all of us. Some have embraced the meaning of the season, and these people shine with the enthusiasm of their faith, reaching out to others, generously sharing with others, changing others. Some are less openly enthusiastic, somewhat reluctant, yet believe as firmly in our Savior, but do not feel as comfortable sharing their beliefs. Still others find Christmas a time of sadness and great loneliness.
What does this season mean to you? I would love to hear about your perceptions…
Posted on
Friday, December 14, 2007
by Steve Henze