The Light of Our Lives
This year is my first time celebrating Christmas far away from my homeland and family. Even though it feels different, the Christmas message is the same: it is about the birth of Jesus Christ our Saviour and Lord, it is about Emmanuel – God is with us.
In my home country, one of of the joyful moments as we worship and celebrate Christmas is when we are singing ‘Holy Night'. The candle is lit and n the light is shared to others as a symbol of Christ, born to bring light so that the darkness has not overcome.
Even though the candles are small, they shine so beautifully and brightly around the room as we hold them. My thought goes to the night when Jesus was born, a silent and dark night, surrounded by the sheep and other animals. Jesus lies in a manger, and angels fill the skies with praise - the greatest words of worship we ever heard. The wise men bring their gifts. All of them rejoice because of the truth, what they have heard from angels, and the star that guided the wise men and pointed them to the Messiah, born in Bethlehem.
... may we reminded that Jesus Christ, the Light of the World, can also lighten our heart, mind and soul from darkness in this world, and replace it with love, peace, hope, serenity, joy and strength.
The music plays quietly, “Silent night! Holy night! Guiding star, lend thy light. See, the eastern wise men bring gifts and homage to our King, Jesus Christ is here.” (SASB 124 2nd verse). Yes, it is true, Christmas celebrates the coming of Jesus Christ our King and Saviour, and the wise men were led by the Star to come and see Jesus.
As Christians, we are led by Jesus Christ, the light of the world. In him we find a life - the life for who so ever - as Jesus said: 'I am the light of the world, whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life" (John 8:12).
Christmas is the time for us to come, bow down and worship Him as the light of the world, we worship the Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father and Prince of Peace. Does the world not need such a mighty name now, as we see the wars happening and thousands killed? Covid is still a threat for health, economic hardship is still occurring and the cost of living is getting higher. Climate change and technology threatens our future, and we don’t yet have an idea of what we will face in the coming year.
In this Christmas season, when we are lighting the candles, may we reminded that Jesus Christ, the Light of the World can also lighten our heart, mind and soul from darkness in this world, and replace it with love, peace, hope, serenity, joy and strength.
He is truly our Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father and Prince of Peace. I pray the light of Jesus Christ shines on you and gives you grace. Have a wonderful Christmas.