In Matthew 4:16, we read: “The people who sat in darkness have seen
a great light, And upon those who sat in the region and shadow of death, Light
has dawned.”
“Decorations must come down today,” she said.
“Why?” her daughter asked. No answer. “Then may I
keep the Nativity in my room? I’ll be careful with it.”
Her mother shook her head. “Christmas is over for
another year.”
“Is that the reason you don’t go to church
with us except on Christmas, Mama?”
“Of course not.” But Mama’s soft voice said otherwise.
Why did she want to remove all reminders of Christmas? When did she stop going
to church regularly? She had good intentions but...
Christmas is all about light. The light the Lord
God sent into the darkness. The Christmas star for guidance, the light that
shone as the angels brought tidings of great joy to all people. So we decorate
using light. On our Christmas trees light shines forcing the darkness into the
shadows. We place gifts under the tree to remember the gifts brought to the
Christ Child.
Christmas is treated now as a yearly event. The nativity, brought out to celebrate Christmas, is
carefully wrapped and stored for another year along with the ornaments and lights. Off, now, because there’s no connection to the power source.
The New Year awaits. I have a choice to make. I can
pack away the joy that Christmas brings—the promises of light and love—or I can
choose to share it.
Kingdom Thinking. In this New Year of 2016 the
slate is blank. I choose to believe that the Lord Jesus loves me with an
everlasting love. I believe that He promises never to leave nor forsake me. I
choose to let His Light shine through me. And you? What do you choose for the
New Year? He loves you and waits for you.