Candles glowing in windows, stars twinkling brightly in contrast to the night sky, Christmas lights shining from rooflines and Christmas trees on cold December nights—there’s something about glimmering lights that call as beacons to our souls. Silently they invite our hurried selves to rest our minds, at least for a moment, and allow our hearts to be soothed with the peace their warm glow offers.

Late last night, long after my neighborhood had quieted, I walked my neighborhood, enjoying the beauty of the Christmas lights, breathing in the tranquility softly delivered by their glow. I began to wonder…why Christmas lights? What prompted the traditional use of candles and lights to celebrate the season? I didn’t wonder long, because immediately I remembered that Jesus told His disciples, “I am the light of the world!” I smiled as I understood why He would say that. Over the years I’ve learned that for me, Jesus brings the sort of comfort and peace that glowing lights bring on a cold night. His peace, of course, is full of hope and meaning, and it lingers long beyond when Christmas lights are put away. It seems that the darker this crazy world gets with its madness and evil, the more inviting and comforting Jesus becomes. He’s my Light. He’s my peace. He is here.

This December, I’m joyfully celebrating the birth of my Savior, the Light of the world! May His peace surround you each time you slow down to enjoy the season’s lights! 

Merry Christmas!