1 John 1:5  This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light,  and there is absolutely no darkness in him.  (CSB)

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Our two-year-old granddaughter loves Christmas lights. She eagerly points them out at night with a simple, excited statement: “Lights!”

During her recent move across town, the opportunity to pick her up at daycare fell to me. She had not seen me in a couple of weeks and was justifiably shy. She didn’t have much to say until she saw the lights. Then she began the most delightful chatter and conversation. 

Seeing the Light does that to a person. 

Pure light, holy light, changes how we see and experience everything. 

We joined in putting up the Christmas tree with our other granddaughter and her parents a couple of weeks ago. The Curly Kid so enjoyed placing ornaments in just the right places. She carefully stood on the step stool and reached as far as her five-year-old arms could extend to execute another perfect placement. 

The big moment, of course, came when the lights were plugged in and everyone exclaimed with delight. 

There is something about seeing the light that shift perspective. 

Our new neighbors paid a decorating crew to liven up their corner of the neighborhood with festive colors. Boy, did they! Our former neighbor would not recognize her old house. 

Where is the light of delight for you? 

The Apostle John was one of those few men who knew Jesus best. After years of walking with Jesus and many more years following in his steps, he bore the simple testimony of the verse above. He said, “there is absolutely no darkness in him.” 

My bride picked up our younger granddaughter yesterday afternoon. The sun faded as they drove across town, and the first Christmas lights brightened the gathering darkness. Little Lucy, whose name means Light, smiled broadly when she spoke the word reminding us of the True Light of the World. 

May every Christmas light we see remind us of Jesus, the Light of the World. 

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I will celebrate the Light. 

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Our Father, thank you for piercing our dark night. Thank you for the generous brilliance of your perfect light. Enlighten our hearts and minds. Illumine our homes. Make us reflectors of your beauty and delight. Amen.