Deck the halls and Merry Christmas! I am celebrating with you in spirit and in truth! I wish you a Merry Christmas full of love, joy, and laughter. This holiday season warms my spirit with caroling, family, friendly gatherings, and special Christmas traditions. My family and I spend time every year looking at all the twinkling lights that decorate the outside of homes and businesses. We love deciding on which home shines the brightest. The holiday traffic, seasonal rush, and Christmas plays are quite exuberant. The excitement Christmas brings is energizing, but one of the most fulfilling aspects of this holiday is seeing who shines the brightest.
Do not get me wrong. The holiday hype is real, but the feel-good emotions that come with this jolly season typically do not last forever. They slip away into those silent nights that are too quiet because you do not have anyone to spend them with. There are emotions you feel as you sing “Jingle Bells”—all is well aside from the fact that all day you have been struggling. The struggling attest to the reality that all is not well, because it is not the Christmas holiday that brings us lasting joy.
While shopping in the mall, waiting in line, and watching the prices go up, the faces you see on others depicts the energy in the room. The seasonal traffic and behavior from individuals around you speculate how people are experiencing this holiday season. It can be quite stressful and depressing if you allow the wrong things to influence you. That is why when the sweet cashier genuinely asks how you are doing, treats you kindly, and wishes you a blessed Christmas holiday, you immediately begin to feel your spirit lift. It is because that individual was shining her light! So, the question is whose light shines the brightest?
Whose Light Is Brightest?
The answer to whose light shines the brightest is, of course, Jesus Christ. “And Jesus spoke to them saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness but will have the light of life.” (John 8:12, NIV). Jesus Christ is the Messiah. Through His death, burial, and resurrection we have salvation and forgiveness from our sins (John 3:16; Romans 3:23; Romans 10:9). Jesus came first as a baby to bring redemption to us (Luke. 2:7-12, 13-14, 15-18; Isaiah 9:6). Then Jesus, being completely God in human flesh, leaned into His humanity and humbled Himself before us to teach us a powerful lesson of restoration through the cross and the miraculous ministerial work He did on earth. Without Christ there would not be any true hope, love, or restoration that we could hold on to. I am so grateful for Christ’s love and active work in and throughout my life. For that reason, I know Him to be the greatest light this world has ever experienced.
You Can Shine This Christmas
I said previously that one of the most fulfilling aspects of this holiday is seeing who shines the brightest. You can shine this Christmas as well. Not by might or in your power, but by God’s Spirit. He will teach you, just as He does me, how to be a light for Him to those around you (Zechariah. 4:6). This Christmas I encourage you to praise the Lord wherever you go rejoicing over who He is, has done, and is doing throughout this world. Testify to others that He has come and is good. Share His active work in and through your life. Love others this Christmas and see every opportunity as a moment to share the Good News of Christ with someone verbally or through your actions. When you are doing this, you will shine and stand apart from the world that relies on emotions, materials, and worldly riches to provide them temporary joy. Whose light shines the brightest? Next to Jesus, let it be yours.
My name is Lindsey Harrell. I am a college graduate of Lancaster Bible College with a major in Women’s Ministry Leadership. I am committed to serving alongside women who long to be transformed by the hope and healing God provides through his truth.
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