A Light has Come

Luke 2:10-12

10 Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. 11 For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.12 And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.”

John 8:12
12 Jesus once again addressed them: “I am the world’s Light. No one who follows me stumbles around in the darkness. I provide plenty of light to live in.”

Merry Christmas to all!

Being from Florida you would think that having a Christmas Eve service outside would be perfect, but trust me it was cold. As the sun was setting it was amazing to hear the carols and watch the stars paint the sky as if it were a majestic masterpiece.

Before service started we were given candles.  As we lit the candles though we found it a challenge to keep them lit as the light breeze found those unlikely candidates to snuff out the candles.

So as I am listening to the pastor in the 50 degree brisk Florida sky I thought, is this what it was like when Christ was born? Was the sky as brilliant as the Florida sky before me? Was it this cold as the breeze was biting through? So many questions kept going through my head.

So as I am still listening to the pastor, my attention shifted back to the candle. Wait a second,  on this day a single light has come! His name is Jesus.  He came in such a humble way, born in a barn, a mess all around with smells certainly not fit for a king. But being a young couple you make do with what you have.

As I thought about this single candle now lit in my hand bringing warmth and light, how much of an impact does my one candle have? I scanned around to see several hundred people, some with their candles lit, others with theirs not and yet others struggling to light and keep their candles lit.

Then I thought about John 8. Could it be a single light that cannot be extinguished be born on a night like tonight, in the cold and darkness? Yes a Savior which is Christ the Lord!

As Christ came He has ignited hundreds, thousands and even millions over generations. But as our candles are lit we always find that little breeze trying to snuff out our light and drag us back into the cold darkness. Some of us find another flickering flame to reignite us. Some find themselves as being the flickering light that lights others. Then there are those who allow the winds of this world to blow out our flames.

As we reflect on Christmas may I say......a Savior is born and He is the Light of the world!

So I ask, what condition is your candle? Are you that burning flame? Maybe you are the one who needs to be relit or have allowed the cares of this world to wipe out your flame. Regardless your condition, there is a light that can fire you up! He was born this day in the city of David, a Savior which is Christ the Lord! He is the Light of the world!

CAL