We are coming off a wonderful celebration of Christmas lights with a parade through the town. It was so much fun to see all the vehicles lit up and the buildings decorated up so beautifully. The other part was seeing and hearing the excitement from the spectators. I heard so many people say it was the best parade ever. Others said they felt like they were in the middle of a Hallmark movie! I am not sure about that, I mean it didn’t begin to snow right at the end! But, truly it was a great night of celebrating Christmas and lights!

There are so many things that go along with Christmas. There is plenty of activity. I have had something every night for almost a full week now. The activities are great. The decorations are great. Even the shopping is great! But we always need to be mindful of the season. That is one of the things I liked about the Christmas Light Parade. It was full of lights! To me, lights celebrate the Light of the World. Jesus Christ.

Think about the star that shone on that special night. That great light it gave to all the land. The light that so proudly told the world that Jesus had come. That is what our lights should represent. Jesus has come! Jesus came as that tiny baby in the stable where it was stinky and dirty, and became my Savior. That sweet little Jesus baby that Mary and Joseph looked at with so much awe and so much pride, and probably so much fear of the unknown for this special child. This sweet baby brought light into a dark, dark world.

In the Bible, it states that there had been no word from God in about 400 years, prior to the birth of John, who was the forerunner for Jesus. Four hundred years of darkness and confusion. Then suddenly, there was light.  A glimmer of hope was found in that stable. Just a little light flickering that would gradually grow and glow to light up the world!

When you are busy driving around looking at Christmas lights with your family, take that time to tell them about the Light of the World. This precious little Light that grew brighter and brighter with each day. This Light that came to save the world.

Recognize the Light of the World this Christmas season. It will make a difference!

By Gina Caswell Kelly