God's Christmas Lights

One of the traditions of Christmas that many enjoy is the beautiful displays of Christmas lights people put out every year.  The tradition started in the sixteenth century in Germany when people started putting candles on their Christmas tree.  Then in 1882 the first Christmas tree that was illuminated by electric lights was introduced by Edward Johnson, a friend of Thomas Edison.  The tree was lit with hand-wired strings of red, white, and blue lights.  Since that time, Christmas lights have expanded in their brilliance and variety.

While the first electric Christmas lights began in 1882, Christmas lights go back 2000 years to Bethlehem.  As a matter of fact, there are 3 different Christmas lights that illuminated the whole city at the birth of Christ.  God’s first Christmas light was the light of the star in Matthew 2.  First seen at the birth of Christ by wise men from the East, this star directed them to the place where Christ was born.  The light of the star served as a spotlight directing men to observe the majesty of the newborn king.  It also moved them to worship in humility at the feet of Christ.

God’s second Christmas light was the light of the angels in Luke 2:8,9,13.  The shepherds were caring for their sheep when all of a sudden, he heavens were lit up with the gory of the Lord.  It shone all around the Bethlehem countryside.  The angels and the light got the attention of the shepherds who were told the good news that a Savior had been born.

The final and brightest of God’s Christmas lights was Jesus Christ himself.  Simeon, holding the baby Jesus in his arms prophesied that He would be a light to bring revelation to the Gentiles.  In John 8:12 Jesus said: “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness but have the light of life”. 

     This year as you drive through your neighborhood enjoying the beautiful Christmas lights, let them serve as a reminder of God’s Son Jesus, the brightest of Christmas lights.  No one has to live in darkness since the Light of the World is here.