The Christmas lights of Limassol Marina and along Anexartisias Street bring cheer to the dark nights. At least they were not cancelled!
Have you ever been lost on a dark night in a forest or on some forsaken path and after hours of stumbling blindly over rough terrain, you see a light in the distance? As you approach, more lights come into view and you emit a deep sigh of relief. The lights ahead will direct your path!
In many ways, this describes the scenario of the world at the time of Christ's birth. The nations were in spiritual darkness and at the foretold time, God sent His Son to be born in Bethlehem (Micah 5:2) to be a Light to the Gentiles (Luke 2:32/Isaiah 9:2). Zechariah, Jewish priest in the Temple of Jerusalem and father of John the Baptist, refers in Luke 1 to the coming of the Dayspring from on high who came to:
... give light to those who sit in darkness and the shadow of death,
to guide our feet into the way of peace. (verse 79)
John's Gospel also describes Him as the Light:
In Him was life and the life was the light of men. And the light shines in the darkness and the darkness has not understood it. (John 1:4-5 )
In chapter 8, John records the Lord's affirmation:
"I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life." (verse 12)
We enjoy all that is associated with Christmas: those special moments with family and friends, the crackling of log fires, the cheer of carol singing and the exchanging of gifts. However, let us never forget the real meaning of the celebration. Christ came to illuminate spiritual darkness and reveal the Way to God through His light. He came to bring peace on earth by reconciling the world to God through His sacrificial death and resurrection. Salvation is offered to each human being as a free gift through faith.
C. S. Lewis, who came to believe reluctantly in the truth of Christianity, asserted:
I believe in Christianity as I believe that the sun has risen: not only because I see it, but because by it I see everything else.
It is possible you are in a dark place right now with all the problems this tumultuous year has presented. Come to the Light of Christmas and receive spiritual hope, peace and joy through the trials and difficulties! May the Christmas lights in your area remind you that He is the Light of the World.
Adore, come let us adore
Oh come let us adore Him
The Lord, worship Christ, the Lord
Let all that is within us adore.