Hold Up The Light

Hold Up The Light

Scripture Reference: John 1:4-9 (KJV)

John 1:4-9 4 In him was life; and the life was the light of men. 5 And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not. 6 There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. 7 The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe. 8 He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light. 9 That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that come into the world.

Expand on these points:

1. Christmas lights

2. Their importance in signaling the season

3. What they represent

When I think of Christmas lights I think of a time when we are using our very best to show the world that we are participating in the current seasons festivities.

Some people use extravagant lights that require much power from a greater outside source. While others may use something as simple as a candle to celebrate intimately while at the same time demonstrating their participation in the season.

The reason for the lights initially was to imitate the bright star that led the wise men to Jesus. Somehow I think that we have forgotten what the lights are really for and we are just attaching as many lights as we can to our house in an effort to outshine everyone in the neighborhood. We are trying to be color coordinated and design motivated and we are forgetting the true reason for the lights in the first place.

We need to remember that the reason for the lights are to celebrate the birth of Christ. I realize that many historians, scientist and the such have allegedly found that Christ was not actually born during this time however this is the time that has been designated to celebrate his birth.

When there is no source of power to maintain the light, it suddenly goes out. In order for light to exist, there must be some form of power. When the power for the light goes out then the light immediately goes out. So whenever we see light we should always understand that there is definitely a force behind that light

Many people search for bigger brighter lights when a small light will do. Just as we search for the perfectly color coordinated string of lights for our decorations people think that the light that Christ has shining from within them is not enough. They think that they need more than that. They think that perhaps the people that need to see the light can not see it because it is not big enough.

Saints we need to realize that the lights that Christ provide are perfect. We do not need any other light besides this holy light to light our paths adequately.

It is strange in how in the darkest times the smallest lights provide great illumination. Maybe the reason that you think that your light is so small and insignificant is because God is preparing you to deal with an extremely dark situation. Maybe your seemingly small and insignificant light will be just what it will take to bring somebody else out of a horrible situation. Maybe that little four word prayer that you use may be the only prayer going up for miles so just because no one else around you is praying you absolutely must continue to pray and believe that God is who he says that he is and can do what he says that he can do.

We should all take a moment to stop and remember a situation in our lives where light played an important role in helping us get through. Of course this could probably be everyday in a modern nighttime environment A situation in your life where light played an important part for your survival.

Illustration:

I remember being in the Army and having to take a test which calls for me having to go out in the middle of a field by myself in the middle of the night. I remember climbing through the rough hilly mountains at Ft. Irwin, Ca. just wondering when I was going to fall, get snake bit or both. I climbed over that hill and found myself in total and complete darkness. I took out my trusty compass and shot an azimuth in the direction that I was supposed to go and headed out. I was thinking to myself I need to get this the first time so that I won’t have to do this again.

I found myself walking ever so gently so as not to disturb any of the wildlife I had already seen in the area. After I continued to walk with no real way to be sure I was headed in the right direction I noticed a light way out in the distance. The light was remarkably small for such a great distance that was between us but the deep darkness that covered me made the light seem to shine so well.