The Light Shines In The Darkness

John 1:4-5 In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

            I am a bit behind schedule in completing my Pre-Christmas routine activities. By this time each year I have surveyed many of the Christmas light displays in Pocatello and Chubbuck. This is a behavior that was imprinted as a child back in Michigan. And to be honest, I admire the work of the “Clark Griswald Award" winner. It is a garish display, but wow what a display. And what an electric bill I'm sure!

            My neighbors have a simple Christmas light display. It's a huge star on the roof of their house. It really stands out when you are driving up our street. It can be missed when looked at from a distance. It becomes lost in all the lights from the surrounding street lights, house lights, and Christmas displays. (Yes, I try to do my part.)  Remember it was a star that was the guiding light for the Three Wise Men. It was a very bright light in the sky. The star of Bethlehem out shown the other stars in the sky. The star pointed to a place where a new beginning was happening. A new hope was to be found in the birth of the Christ child In manger. The prophesied Savior was born and the star marked the path to follow for those wishing to find their way. Jesus is the light and the life. And a star marked the beginning of the journey to our salvation. We remember the end point of the journey as a cross that was followed by an empty tomb. The darkness sought to overcome the light of the world, Jesus Christ. But the darkness failed miserably. The death so desired by the darkness of the world was overwhelmed by the resurrection shown with an empty tomb.

            Today our world displays many people and things that claim to be the brighter star for us to follow. Some are more garish than the most obnoxious Christmas yard display. Others are streaking across our skies like a shooting star, only to fade into obscurity or come crashing to earth when they run out of energy. There is only one true light of the world and that light is Jesus Christ. The darkness still seeks to overcome the light of Christ. Their methods are both subtle and overt. You and I can help keep that light shining by sharing the light of Christ with others when ever and wherever we can. We can share the Real Love of Jesus with others. And not just at Advent, but all year long. Invite someone you know to share an Advent service worship opportunity. We can make a difference. We just have to reach out. If we do not try, then who else will?

PRAYER: Lord Your light shines bright in our lives. Help us to see those who have been lost in the darkness. Give us the faith and words needed to reach out I love to those lost. And let You be glorified in all that we do in serving You Father. This we ask in the name of Jesus, Amen.