The true light of Christmas comes from Jesus Christ. While we can experience a glimpse of it during the Christmas season, we can enjoy it everyday if Christ is our Lord and Savior. This Christmas, don’t miss the true wonder, joy, and light that comes from knowing Christ and don’t miss your chance to share it with others.
Again 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
I love Christmas. It’s my favorite time of year. There is something so special about the lights, sounds, and fragrances that brings back all my favorite childhood memories. As a child we took part in all the Christmas traditions, like decorating the Christmas tree, baking cookies, driving around looking at Christmas lights, and watching Christmas movies. I still do these things with my family today. While all of these things bring me great joy, nothing brings me joy like my relationship with Christ. Christmas is an excellent opportunity to reflect on what God has done for me and to share it with others.
Counterfeit Christmas
Recently I read something that talked about the wonder, joy, and light of December and how we desperately need it. However, it said nothing about Jesus Christ. This made me really sad. There are many who have never experienced true joy because they don’t know Christ. And there are many Christians who are afraid to tell others that the joy of Christmas comes from Christ.
A few weeks ago I visited a local amusement park and was impressed by their beautiful light display. However, it was their nativity that really caught my eye. Then I heard carolers singing, “Go tell it on the mountain that Jesus Christ is born.” I thought to myself, there is no other time of year when Christ is more present in public places than at Christmas time. I wondered about the people around me who didn’t know Christ as their Lord and Savior, but were hearing His lordship proclaimed. What did they think about it? How did it make them feel? Were they considering the possibility?
I was filled with joy as I thought that there were probably some in that crowd that God was calling to Himself. However, there are some who don’t want anything to do with Christ at Christmas or any other time of year. I was faced with this reality last week when I paid to boost an ad for my Christmas Bible reading list on social media. I received some angry faces and profanity filled comments. There are some that don’t want to hear the truth and prefer a counterfeit Christmas. Sadly they are missing true wonder, joy, and light.
True Wonder
As a child, I remember standing in the cold around a live nativity and considering the possibility that a young virgin mother gave birth to a baby that would save me from my sin. Back then I didn’t really understand what that meant, but the visual still filled me with wonder. While Christmas was special for me back then, it holds such a greater meaning and wonder as a follower of Christ.
I know from God’s Word that a young virgin mother did in fact give birth. Because of this, I am filled with wonder when I consider Mary’s response of worship after an angel gave her the message that her life was going to be forever changed. I am amazed by Joseph’s obedience to God through his faithfulness to Mary after finding out that she was pregnant by the Holy Spirit.
I imagine that the way things played out for Mary and Joseph had not been what they envisioned when they were told they would be the earthly parents of God the Son. But they knew it was God’s plan, and when does God’s plans ever look like ours? I wonder how hard it must have been for them, and pray that I could be that faithful and obedient in my own life.
True Joy
“Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.” Luke 2:10-11
I think it’s so beautiful that God chose shepherds to receive the first birth announcement of Christ. They were second only to Mary and Joseph to experience true joy. These men who were ignored and rejected by society were seen by their Creator. Their response was to worship God and tell others about Him. I experienced a similar joy when God revealed Himself to me. For the first time in my life I felt seen and that I had a purpose, to worship God and tell others about Him.
When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. Matthew 2:10
I am encouraged by the wise men, who traveled for years seeking Jesus. They too experienced the true joy of knowing the God of the Universe, and their response was to worship Him and bring Him gifts fit for a king. From the wise men, I have learned that true joy comes from seeking God and all my best is for Him because He is a greater treasure than anything in this world.
True Light
The true light, which gives light to everyone, was coming into the world. John 1:9
If you are a follower of Christ, don’t miss the true light of Christmas. Yes, do all the fun things and make Christmas memories. But don’t get so wrapped up in the hustle that you forget that your true wonder, joy, and light comes from knowing Christ as your Lord and Savior. Grow in your knowledge of God through the study of His Word. Invite others to church, and point others to the true light of Christmas.
If you have never experienced the light of Christ, then I have Good News for you. You can experience the wonder, joy, and light of Christ all year long. All you need to do is turn from your sin to your Savior. I would love to hear from you. Send me an email through my Contact Page.
Merry Christmas! Be sure to download my Anchored To The Truth of Christmas Bible reading and ornaments. If you are looking for more resources to help you seek God in the new year, be sure to visit my Resources Page.