“And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness overcame it not.” (John 1:5)
You may not know the name Tom Bodet, but if you were around in the mid-1980’s or after you will remember his famous saying, “We’ll leave the light on for you.” The voice actor and radio personality used the tag line to close out commercials for Motel 6 that became a successful advertising campaign of the lodging franchise for many years. It reminded us that even in our own homes, it’s the polite thing to do when we are expecting company or the arrival of a family member. Lights are a symbol of welcoming. We are entering that season when the lights of Christmas are beginning to appear throughout our neighborhoods. Many communities throughout our nation will display lights as a means of public attraction to promote commerce.
For the Christian church, the beginning of Advent is upon us. The term Advent is derived from a Latin word for ‘coming’ – in this case the expectant waiting and preparation for the celebration of the Nativity of Jesus at Christmas. Most denominations will use Advent readings during a portion of their services, and a new candle will be lighted weekly for each of the successive four weeks. It is not uncommon for Advent wreaths to be displayed not only in those churches but in the homes of their members as well. The metaphor of light is at the very center of the Christmas message and is reflected in the hymns we will sing. One of the best known is ‘Silent Night’ – “Son of God, love’s pure light; Radiant beams from Thy holy face, with the dawn of redeeming grace.” The words from the great prophet foretold of the coming Prince of Peace and the light He would bring: “The people who walk in darkness will see a great light. For those who live in a land of deep darkness, a light will shine” (Isaiah 9:2).
Walking in the Light is a recurring theme throughout scripture. “Jesus spoke to the people once more and said, ‘I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life’ ” (John 8:12). The world is filled with darkness, and many of us exist in it for a time. It is only through an accepting and growing relationship with Christ that our light can begin to shine. As we mature in Him, we come to experience a very personal journey that commences in Bethlehem and ends on a cross at Calvary. As children, many of us learned the words, “This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine.” One of my greatest memories of this song is a performance by a church choir in which one of the oldest members, well into her eighties, embraced the tune by letting her body swing melodically from side to side as she sang. She displayed a true understanding of the apostle’s writing: “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:14-16).
As our walk with Christ deepens, it is important to understand that the Light others will see in us is not our own but a mere reflection of Him. “For once you were full of darkness, but now you have light from the Lord. So live as people of light!” (Ephesians 5:8). Like the words to the song portray: “It is better to light just one little candle, than to stumble in the dark. Better far that you light just one little candle; All you need’s a tiny spark.” In many corners of the earth, we can easily be drawn into dark places. Advent is a perfect time to acknowledge or perhaps rekindle that spark of light. And as we nurture it throughout our own spiritual journey, we will once again allow the star over that simple manger many years ago to become a beacon of light for all the world to see.
REFLECTION: Have you made decisions that have caused the light of Jesus to flicker and grow dim in your life? During this busy Advent season, are there ways that you might pause, reflect, and draw closer to Him? How can you develop your spiritual gifts and share your talents so that others may see a renewed Light of Christ in your life?
(MY NEXT WEEKLY DEVOTION WILL BE UPLOADED ON SAT., DECEMBER 6, 2014. IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO BE REMINDED OF THE FREE WEEKLY POSTINGS, SEND YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS TO: LookUpwrd@aol.com YOUR ADDRESS WILL NOT BE SHARED)