Once a year we enter a very precious season of celebration – the celebration of the birth of Jesus into the earth.  Why do we celebrate His coming?  It is because we love Him and because we treasure the Gift of the Son which God the Father has given to us.

In this Holy Season, what better way to celebrate the sacred gift which Christ’s salvation has brought to us than to let our light shine ever brighter for God’s glory – and to truly be a witness reflecting the abundant life of our Lord within us, shining through us to the world!

As believers in Christ, one of the greatest honours from the Father God we have is being entrusted as bearers of His Light (the fruit of the Gospel and the Holy Spirit within us).  The Scriptures tell us that once upon a time we were darkness, but now in Christ Jesus we are Light.  So we are urged to act as people of the Light and make our light shine. (Eph. 5:8-9)

Light is the essence of Christmas, and as Christians we are God’s lamps in the world.  Jesus said, “You are the light of the world… Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” (Matt. 5.14-16)

What does Light give?
Light gives visibility – As a Lamp
In order to give light, we must first have God revealed in us.

Psalm 119.105 says, “Your Word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”
God’s Word is our personal Light, to guide us and to show us what to do and how to live.  His Word gives us visibility to see the Truth and walk in it.

Light gives warmth – As a Flame
Although Christmas is a time of celebration, many people feel sad and “left out in the cold” during this season.  When we have God’s Light in us, we can give warmth and comfort to those in need.

Second Corinthians 1:3-4 reveals, “The Father is a merciful God, who always gives us comfort. He comforts us when we are in trouble, so that we can share this same comfort with others in need.”

God’s Word gives us comfort and enables us to give comfort to others when they need it.  

Light illuminates the darkness – As the Sun
Jesus said that “the righteous will shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father.” (Matt. 13.43)
When we live in God’s Light, we will illuminate the darkness wherever we are.  Light dispels fear.  There may be places that are dark and full of fear in people’s lives, but when we have God’s Light in us we can shine as brightly as the sun and implant God’s Light in others.

When we live in the Light and bring the Light to others, it glorifies God:
“May you always be filled with the fruit of your salvation – those good things that are produced in your life by Jesus Christ – for this will bring much glory and praise to God!”  (Phil. 1.11).

Let us join together and make this Christmas shine brighter than ever.

And I pray that Christ will be more and more at home in your hearts as you trust in Him. 
(Eph. 3.17 NLT)