Many have heard it said that we are to “light the world this Christmas” and “let their light” shine. On the surface, that sounds beautiful. But, underneath, the message can quietly reinforce the burden we all feel, the need to do more, be more, and prove ourselves worthy of God’s light. This burden creates gloom instead of gladness at Christmas. And maybe that’s partially why the image of light has always been such a powerful part of Christmas. Light breaks into and disperses and displaces darkness; it doesn’t demand that the darkness brighten itself.
This theme is communicated visibly in many historical Christian churches during their Christmas Eve candlelight services. One central Christ candle is used to light every other candle in the room as the light removes the darkness. It is a picture of what Christmas truly means. We do not create our own light; we receive it from him. Jesus 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).
Christmas invites us to stop trying to shine our own light and instead receive the light of his grace. He is the one who fills the world with brilliance, pushing back every shadow that sin and sorrow have cast. When his light reaches a heart, it does not just illuminate it; it transforms it from trust in self to trust in God. And those who receive his light begin to reflect it into the dark corners of their homes, their relationships, and their world. However, they do not shine to prove they are worthy or strong or progressing properly; instead, they shine because his light has reached them first.
Prayer: Jesus, thank you for being the Light that cannot be extinguished. Teach hearts to rest in your light instead of trying to create their own.
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Parable of the Sheep and the Goats
Jesus describes judgment day with various illustrations. Learn what he meant by the parable of the sheep and the goats found in Matthew 25.
