The Bible repeatedly talks about the path, the road, the way, and the journey. It tells us about walking with God from the earliest chapters of human history. God invites us to walk with him, to follow him, and to walk before him. Galatians 5 tells how to live a Spirit-led life. Verses 16 and 25 speak of this explicitly. The rest of the chapter shows what this looks like in our lives when we do, and don’t, live in step with the Spirit.

The Bible also repeatedly talks about God as light. Jesus is the light of the world. John’s Gospel begins with an overture about the coming of the Light of the World. (See verses 1-9 in particular.)

When God wanted to get the Apostle Paul’s attention when he was known as Saul and was off to persecute followers of The Way, disciples of Jesus, God met him on the road and set him on a new path. God blinded him with his holy light and opened his eyes to see the Light of the Word is Jesus. (See Acts 9 for the full story of Paul’s encounter with Jesus.)

There is a house that illuminates the entrance to our neighborhood at night. Christmas lights are tastefully and artistically arranged. The home belongs to a retired minister and his wife. They point the way to Jesus in their celebration of the season. 

Where do you see the Light of Life on your path day by day? Where will you see it today? Paul was unprepared for God’s glorious presence when he met Jesus in all his glory. His eyes were damaged. He required divine intervention to see again. He required divine direction to know which way to go. Jesus loves to meet us wherever we may be on our journeys. He loves to help us see with new eyes. He loves to illuminate our lives. 

This Christmas season is hard for some people. Many have heavy hearts in a time that should be filled with great joy. God has a message for those of us who have difficulty seeing the light.

”For you are the fountain of life, the light by which we see.“
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭36‬:‭9‬ ‭NLT‬‬

“As for me, I look to the Lord for help. I wait confidently for God to save me, and my God will certainly hear me. Do not gloat over me, my enemies! For though I fall, I will rise again. Though I sit in darkness, the Lord will be my light.“
‭‭Micah‬ ‭7‬:‭7‬-‭8‬ ‭NLT‬‬

“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 ‭NLT‬‬

Light has come. Light is available. Light gives life. 

May every Christmas light this season remind you of Jesus, the Light of the World. May he illuminate your life and drive away the darkness. May he light your path and show you the way you should go. 

—

 I will celebrate the Light of the World.

—

Our Father, thank you for the invitation to walk with you. Sometimes you call us to follow you. Sometimes you draw us alongside you. Sometimes you send us out before you. You are always with us even when we cannot perceive you. Illuminate our paths and our lives with your light. May others be drawn to you as you shine through us. Amen.