Matthew 5:14-16 The Living Bible
I went to spend the weekend with my oldest brother and his wife. Our younger sister drove in, too. We had a great weekend, reinforcing the bonds of love that have endured over the years. The town Ron and Mary live in does a free-of-charge holiday light drive-through park, They had quite a few motion light displays that I thought were rather spectacular! For instance - one for each of the twelve days of Christmas; I'd never seen anything like it!
Halfway through, I almost started laughing at our exclamations of, "Oh, look at that one!" "Did you see that?!?" "That one is so beautiful!!" "Look!!" My sweet sister-in-law (who is now a great-grandmother) was also like a little girl as we drove through. It was reminiscent of long-ago years and some not-so-long-ago years, but it is one tradition that can be easily outgrown in the hustle and bustle that Christmas has become.
On the drive home (that should only have been 5½ hours but took 8 because of traffic!), I had plenty of time to think of the parallels of Christmas lights and living the Christian life. These are just a few of my thoughts.
Christmas lights: As a child viewing light displays, we have no idea how much forethought and work are involved in making it look that beautiful.
Christian life: Before the foundation of the world - Ephesians 4:1.
Christmas lights: We don't think of what it cost for us (the electric bill).
Christian life: Mark 8:34-36.
Christmas lights: What it takes to maintain it (the right instructions for best results).
Christian life: Matthew 19:17-21.
Christmas lights: What it takes to keep the lights burning brightly (proper power supply - protection in the storms of the seasons).
Christian life: Matthew 7:24-27
Christmas lights: Where and how to place the lights so that they illuminate the path and make the house inviting (so you know the way and you'll want to come back).
Christian life: Our Promise for Today!
Christmas lights: I'm not turning off my lights just because someone doesn't like Christmas.
Christian life: I'm not hiding my Light just because someone doesn't like Christians...
♫♪This little light of mine, I'm gonna let it shine! ♪♫
And I'm not going to get into debates about the actual date of Christ's birth, or how the date was brought into the church as we know it today. I'm just eternally grateful Emmanuel WAS born so that we could be forgiven to live in His Light and have eternal life with Him!!
Prayer:
Father,
Thank You for sending Your Son to be Light and Life for all who will receive Him. Thank You that the invitation is open to whosoever will... Please keep our hearts and spiritual eyes open to see the opportunities to spread Your Light and Life to those who don't yet know You. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
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