You are the light of Christmas
Christmas is in just a couple of days, if you’re reading this (or listening to this episode) the day it comes out. If you’re listening after the Christmas season, imagine for just a bit that it’s a day or so before Christmas and try to get back into the Christmas spirit for a few minutes. And let the light of Christmas shine in your heart.
Christmas playlist on Spotify Christmas playlist on this website
As a kid and now as an adult, there has always been and still is, a sense of expectation that something wonderful and good will happen at Christmas time.
Growing up we were always excited about what presents we would get. But there was so much more. I remember my dad driving us around starting several weeks before Christmas to see all the lights people decorated their homes with.
There was something thrilling about seeing all those lights, something inspiring. Now you could say all those lights were just part of Christmas being commercialized, and that may be true to some extent, back then and especially now.
The light of Christmas as a kid
But as a kid, I loved all those lights. They were a promise of something good to come. I knew Christmas was really about Jesus being born and looking back, I see that being attracted to all those Christmas lights has become a metaphor for me now, being attracted to the light of Christ.
Jesus came as a light shining in the darkness. And to me, that’s what Christmas is really all about.
The Gospel of John describes Jesus in this very way.
In him [Jesus] was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.
The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world. John 1:4, 5, 9 NIV
John is basically saying, not just that Jesus was, and is, the light. This light was intended to bless, not just a chosen few, but all mankind, then, now, and forever.
That is a lot of light. And all the darkness of the world cannot overcome it, cannot overpower it, cannot stop it.
Jesus, the light of the world
There were two times in his ministry when Jesus specifically referred to himself as the light of the world.
One was just before he healed a man who had been born blind. Jesus boldly declares:
While I am in the world, I am the light of the world. John 9:5 NIV
And then he healed the man of blindness, literally bringing him out of darkness into light. But when you read the whole story in Chapter 9 of John, it’s pretty clear the fellow who was healed also got a big dose of the spiritual light of Christ.
Another time when Jesus was talking to a crowd of people, he said,
When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” John 8:12 NIV
Here’s that “light of life” Chapter 1 of John is talking about, that Jesus is the light and this light is for all mankind.
What a blessing for you and me, along with everyone else in the world.
We are the light of the world too
But Jesus doesn’t just give us light. He reveals that we are the light of the world along with him. And he also tells us the implications of what it means to be the light of the world.
You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:14-16 NIV
Jesus, as the light of the world, is a blessing and a healing presence which shine out and on everyone. You and I, as the light of the world, do exactly the same thing. We follow in our Master’s footsteps. And Jesus makes it clear it’s really impossible to hide your light.
So how does this all relate to Christmas?
The light of Christmas needed in the world
As joyful a time as Christmas can be, there are a lot of people in the world struggling with the powers of darkness in their lives: sickness, loneliness, serious financial challenges, health problems, addiction and abuse, just to name a few things.
Then you have more national and global concerns like political divisiveness, unjust policies, and government corruption, not to mention wars in various parts of the world.
A lot of people feel trapped in one form or another of darkness and despair.
Now you may be thinking: Hey James, I know there are lots of challenges going on in the world. Are you saying that since I am the light of the world at Christmastime, I’m supposed to leave my home and family and go somewhere out in the world to try to bring light to these situations? I just don’t see how I can do that. Why should I go try to help other people when I have enough challenges of my own?
Be the light of Christmas where you are
Well, first of all, I’m not at all suggesting you leave your own sphere of influence to try to solve someone else’s problems.
I’m really talking about, wherever you are, bringing your light, to whatever you’re involved in. Don’t run away from your own sphere of influence but be the light of Christmas right there.
I was at a church talk several years ago. The speaker talked for about an hour but the only thing I really remember was her calm insistence: Be the healer in the room.
Wherever you go, whatever you do, be the healer in the room. Be the light of the world. Be the light of Christmas in the darkness of a troubled world.
What does this look like?
Where is the light of Christmas needed?
Is there anyone you know who is struggling right now? What can you do to bring joy, encouragement, and support to them?
You usually don’t have to look very far to find someone who is quietly calling out for help of one kind or another. It could be someone in your immediate family or close circle of friends, someone at work, or a sales clerk you meet. They could be wrestling with emotional scars from the past or anxiety about the future.
How can you be the light of Christmas for them? How can you shine forth in such a way they feel loved and hopeful? How can you help them experience the coming of Christ, THE light of the world coming to dispel the darkness they feel trapped in?
Never underestimate your ability to be the light of Christmas, the healer in the room, whatever time of year it is.
Don’t get too absorbed in your own world
Now I have to admit, that usually at Christmas, I am pretty occupied with my own little world. But there are always opportunities to let my light shine.
Whenever I go into a store, especially at Christmastime when things can get pretty hectic, I try to express genuine interest in the well-being of whoever is helping me. It sounds pretty minor, but it can make a big difference in someone’s day.
When they complain about having to be there I tell them how grateful I am for them being there to help me and others. I try to help them see how much I value them and what they’re doing. I have seen over and over again this lift someone’s spirits.
The person who has a little darkness in their lives may be someone in your family or a close friend who is in your home sometime during the Christmas holidays.
Be the light of Christmas at family gatherings
Family gatherings at Christmas can be very stressful for some folks because of the way a “certain somebody” thinks and acts, or says something hurtful or judgmental. In effect, to use our metaphor, they’re trapped in darkness.
How can you shine the light of Christmas on them? Not in a self-righteous or holier-than-thou approach, but so they feel loved and supported?
It doesn’t mean you have to agree with them on everything or that you flood them with a waterfall of words. It could just be a loving smile from across the room or a hug and a simple, heartfelt word or two.
Another way to ask the question: “How can I be the light of Christmas?” is to ask, “How can I love people so they feel loved?”
There’s no formula for this kind of light and love. And there’s no faking it either. You can’t just say the right words. You have to feel that love in your heart. You have to see and be the light of Christmas in your own life before you can share it with others.
Don’t wait to let your light shine
And you don’t need to wait until you interact with someone who is living in some degree of spiritual darkness.
You can start right now seeing yourself as the light of Christmas, the light of the world.
Take a moment, this very moment, to say to yourself: I am the light of the world. I am the light of Christmas in world of darkness. And I will share and shine forth my light everywhere I go and with everyone I meet.
Ponder deeply that you are the light of the world, the light of Christmas, willing and able to light up the dark and dreary places in people’s lives.
I’ll say this again: acknowledge this about yourself. Say it to yourself. Out loud. Accept this promise of Jesus as applying to you. And ask God to help you discern and act on opportunities to let your light bless others.
You are the light of Christmas wherever you go
Maybe you’re flying somewhere for the holidays. Be filled with so much love and the light of Christmas that every ticket agent, baggage checker, security person, flight attendant, and fellow traveler you talk to feels this light and love and is uplifted just by interacting with you for a minute or two.
Yes, you can do this. Give yourself permission.
What if you’re just driving across town to be with family or friends for Christmas? Be the light of Christmas and love for everyone you pass on the road, even though you say a word to each other. Love them with the spirit of Christmas.
Or maybe you’re not going anywhere. People are coming to your home for a Christmas gathering. When they walk in the door, love them the way Jesus would love them. If you’ve had a tendency to be a little judgmental or critical of them in the past for whatever reason, just turn on your light of Christmas a little brighter and love them.
Don’t wait for someone to say something inappropriate. Love them in advance. And beam forth the light of Christmas on them, even when they do fall into their old patterns.
God is doing something big
There’s something bigger going on here than you simply trying to let the light of love shine on people in your part of the world.
In that passage in Chapter 9 of Isaiah we love to quote at Christmas, referring to the Messiah, Isaiah says
Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the LORD Almighty will accomplish this. Isaiah 9:7 NIV
This last sentence is the one that really stands out to me. “The zeal of the LORD Almighty will accomplish this.”
This not just about you trying to be more loving and sharing the light of Christmas with people.
Something much bigger is going on. God is at work to establish the reign of Christ on the throne of David, for all time and including all mankind.
Every time you let your light shine, every time you are the light of Christmas to someone, God is using you for His greater purpose for blessing all mankind. You may see some of the ways this is a blessing to others, but you may never see all the ways God is working in your life to bless people.
The light of Christ is always shining
Just a few verses earlier in Isaiah 9 the prophet declares an important truth about how the light of Christ is always appearing to the world.
The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned. Isaiah 9:2 NIV
The light is already shining. It has already and is always dawning on those who are in darkness.
As the light of the world, Jesus fulfills this Messianic prophecy:
“I, the LORD, have called you in righteousness; I will take hold of your hand. I will keep you and will make you to be a covenant for the people and a light for the Gentiles, to open eyes that are blind, to free captives from prison and to release from the dungeon those who sit in darkness.” Isaiah 42:6, 7 NIV
Jesus lived the truths of this prophecy in his life here on earth. And because you and I are following in Jesus’s footsteps and letting our light shine, this prophecy is fulfilled in your life when Christ dwells in your heart.
God has called you in righteousness. He is holding your hand. You are a light to those who don’t know God. You will open blind eyes, maybe not literal blind eyes, but metaphorical ones.
You will help people find freedom from things that imprison them and keep them in mental, emotional, and spiritual darkness.
God empowers you as the light of Christmas
There’s no way to do this on your own without God directing your thoughts and actions. It is God who empowers and compels you in this direction.
So what does it actually mean to be the light of Christmas? It simply means to be conscious of the coming and continuing presence of Christ in the world.
This Christmas, or whenever you may be listening to this episode during the year, let the light of Christ shine in your heart. Let this light shine out to bless others. The world desperately needs your light. Be the love and the light of Christmas to everyone you meet. And don’t forget to shed this light on yourself as well.
I wish you a very Merry Christmas, bright with the light of Christ.
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James Early, the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and church mentor. He conducts Bible workshops online and in person. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by learning to think, pray, and love like Jesus. Contact him here.
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Bible References
John 1:4, 5, 9 NIV
4 In him [Jesus] was life, and that life was the light of all mankind.
5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.
9 The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world.
John 9:5 NIV
5 While I am in the world, I am the light of the world.
John 8:12 NIV
12 When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”
Matthew 5:14-16 NIV
14 You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.
15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.
16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.
Isaiah 9:7 NIV
7 Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the LORD Almighty will accomplish this.
Isaiah 9:2 NIV
2 The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned.
Isaiah 42:6, 7 NIV
6 “I, the LORD, have called you in righteousness; I will take hold of your hand. I will keep you and will make you to be a covenant for the people and a light for the Gentiles,
7 to open eyes that are blind, to free captives from prison and to release from the dungeon those who sit in darkness.
