Lights Shining in Darkness

The first colored electric Christmas lights on outdoor evergreen trees appeared in Denver in 1914. The tradition began when a sick boy was bedridden in the top floor of his home. Ten-year-old David Sturgeon couldn’t see his family’s Christmas tree downstairs, so his grandfather, a pioneering electrician, painted some light bulbs red and green and strung them on a tree outside David’s window.
Not only did the lights brighten what would be David’s last holiday, but residents throughout the city came by to admire the display. David’s innovative grandfather brought light into the boy’s dark times and joy to the whole community. 

God revealed the true light to the whole world by sending Jesus to live among us.  For “the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it” (John 1:5, NRSV).  Darkness can never extinguish the light of Christ. 

  We celebrate Christ coming to earth, but He did more than that.  He brought us salvation.  In every season, Jesus is our source of true light, of true hope.  He empowers us to live in the light and let His love shine through us to bring light into someone’s darkness.  The Christmas season is a special time to not only hold onto these truths but to also spread the good news of the gospel to those living in darkness.  Be a light to others around you. Show them the light of Christ and the hope He brings to all who know and love Him.