I love Christmas lights. Every year there’s a part of me that wants to go full Clark Griswold and cover my house in them. Our family loves taking a trip around town to look at lights as well. Here in Rockwall, we have houses with classic lights, some with creative lights, a famous cul-de-sac with lights and inflatables, and a few houses that set their lights to music. One of our required stops is the house on Ridge Road West because the homeowner is his own DJ introducing each song in his list. Christmas lights are pure greatness. 

The lights remind us that Jesus is the light of the world. When Jesus proclaimed to be the light of the world, it was more than just a cool metaphor. It was a fulfillment of prophecy. 

“The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shone.” –Isaiah 9:2

His arrival on the first Christmas was the fulfillment of God’s promise to bring light to a world in darkness. If you have some extra time this week, check out Matthew 4:12-16 and compare it to Isaiah 9:1-2. It’s an amazing fulfillment of prophecy with all kinds of connections to missions. I preached this sermon at our church on Sunday and made that missions connection. 

Jesus brought light to a world dwelling in darkness. He is the true light of the world. So what does that mean for us? Let me give you just a couple of ways we can respond. 

Walk in the light. Jesus says that his followers will not walk in darkness, but will have the light. That means that no matter what we go through or experience in this life, darkness will not overcome the light. He is with us and He guides us through it all. Psalm 119:105 tells us that God’s word is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path. When we devote ourselves to God’s word, we find him illuminating our steps and our path as we walk in the light. 

Be the light. In Matthew 5, Jesus says that we are the light of the world as we follow him and represent him to the world. We are on mission to shine the light of Jesus into every dark corner of this world. When we shine as lights by living for his glory and following his commandments, we show the world the greatness of our God. This season gives us all kinds of opportunities to be the light for people we are connected to in our lives. 

So gas up the car and go look at those Christmas lights. Notice how your town seems brighter this time of year. The darkness is being pushed back by all those lights. Let it remind you that light has come to the world. Let’s walk in the light and be the light for His glory.