Christmas Turned Darkness to Light

It’s here at last! The most wonderful time of the year! I think we’re singing that song a little louder and prouder this year. We sure needed Christmas and its many symbols and songs and THE BABY to light up the darkness we have encountered this year.
I needed one little set of clear Christmas lights, so I dropped into Walmart. I couldn’t believe my eyes – the aisle for lights was almost empty. I asked a store clerk where all the lights were. He replied: “It’s been crazy! We have been swamped with Christmas customers!” I replied: “I get it! We welcome Christmas with open arms to brighten the darkness of this year!” He agreed.
I have known great joy at Christmas. My daughter was born in December. And, as just a teenager, I knew heartache at Christmas when my Dad went to heaven just eight days before Christmas. But I think 2020 wrapped up Christmas with a big red bow as a gift of joy, cheer and sheer delight for us. We need it! As I type this blog, I remember the prophet Jeremiah's prophetic words that came true with Jesus' birth and I believe true for 2020. “The people who walk in darkness will see a great Light. Those who live in a dark land, the Light will shine on them.” (Isaiah 9:2) So praise the Lord! The LIGHT is shining on us, too! Isaiah spoke of the coming Prince of Peace, and of the light and life He would bring. He spoke of light dispelling darkness. Isn't that what we desire in this year of 2020? Light is central to our celebration of Christmas. The apostle John introduced his gospel by identifying Jesus as the "True Light, coming into the world, Who enlightens everyone.” (John 1) Christmas arriving for us with the same promises of Light and Life. We Christians celebrate Christmas because the Light did come. Jesus’ birth was not only the fulfillment of biblical prophecy, but as the angels declared to the shepherds, this infant is “the Savior, Who is Christ the Lord.” To understand Christmas is to know that the ultimate peace, joy and comfort the Savior brings is because of His death and resurrection. Light dispels darkness. That darkness is seen in those who are “in the dark” and lack knowledge of the peace and joy that the LIGHT brought us. We know that untold millions still dwell in deep darkness, having never heard of or ever acknowledged the one true God or of Jesus Christ, His Son. Darkness refers to evil and willful blindness. Nothing could be so dark as those who prefer to live in the dark. But those of us who have personally encountered the LIGHT are childlike in our faith as we celebrate this season of LIGHT that points to God’s Son in Bethlehem’s humble manger. We rightly point to Christ’s birth as the central event of human history and the dividing line between the age of darkness and the age of light. And I believe that this year – like no other time in my lifetime or yours – is pivotal in drawing that dividing line between the darkness and the Light of 2020's Christmas too. That is reason enough to celebrate Christmas, for our response to this gift of LIGHT must be about celebration, thanksgiving, and rejoicing. I’m getting my Christmas party hat on – how about you?