You Are The Light

December 1, 2024

Dr. Paul Cannings

“God grant you the light in Christmas, which is faith; the warmth of Christmas, which is love; the radiance of Christmas, which is purity; the righteousness of Christmas, which is justice; the belief in Christmas, which is truth; the all of Christmas, which is Christ.” (Wilda English)

Christmas time is a great moment for evangelism because it is unquestionably a time that celebrates the birth of Christ. Even in the time of Christ, His birth brought Magi from a distant country, shepherds from the fields and it caused Simeon and Anna to declare; “My eyes have seen Your salvation, which You have prepared in the presence of all the peoples, a light of revelation to the Gentiles and the glory of Your people Israel.” (Luke 2:30-32) Today the world knows the truth but seeks to call Christmas, the holidays, X-mas, a time to party and get drunk. I don’t expect people who do not know Christ to do any different but we who are saved should be like Simeon and Anna and declare the truth. How can we celebrate Christmas so that it is a testimony of Christ’s birth, that can lead to a gospel message?

There is a legend of a village in Southern Europe that boasted of a church called “The House of Many Lamps.” When it was built in the sixteenth century, the architect provided for no light except for a receptacle at every seat for the placing of a lamp. Each Sunday night, as the people gathered, they would bring their lanterns and slip them into the bracket at their seat. When someone stayed away, his place would be dark; and if very many stayed away, the darkness became greater for the whole. It was the regular presence of each person that lit up the church (Morgan, R. J. (2000). Nelson’s complete book of stories, illustrations, and quotes (electronic ed., p. 127) Nashville: Thomas Nelson Publishers).

“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden;  nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house.  Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.”  (Matthew 5:14-16; NASU)

What can we do when our house lights up; can our decorations and ornaments represent Christ and therefore be a witness? How can we function when people are in need after Beryl and are struggling to make Christmas work for their children so that at least their kids can enjoy Christmas?

We must ‘let our light shine before men;’ It’s CHRISTmas!