LIGHT the WORLD – one bulb at a time
So yeah, they’re the same old strands – outlining houses and dotting trees – but to me, these lined bulbs that shine year after year are significant. They embody the light of Christ.
Some abled-body climbed a ladder and painstakingly hung those cords so their group of little bulbs could beam and blink. To aliens unfamiliar with the tradition, this may seem like a vain form of house accessorizing. It’s not like Christmas lights illuminate streets as well as lampposts – they’re clearly more decorative than productive. But productivity is not the point. Neither is vanity. Here’s the festivity’s foundation: A person ascended to their rooftops (and treetops) and went to work simply for the passersby. For the stranger. The traveler. The ones out in the cold. I find it inspiring that the joy of illuminating a house comes from simply knowing that the lights are on, glowing for others.
And those little lights – oh, how they shine. They shine because that’s what they do. That’s what they were made for.
Think of that for a minute … Christ declared that YE are the light of the world. That’s what we were made for. “Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” – Matthew 5: 14-16
Like those merry Christmas lights, we don’t shine for vanity or even for productivity. We shine for others – because we love them, and because we love HIM who all Truth hangs upon. We want to glorify our Father in heaven.
That’s why our family is participating in the LIGHT the WORLD campaign.
LIGHT the WORLD is a chance to shine and serve as He did – in 25 days, 25 ways. It’s keeping us focused on what this season is all about – and it’s making this world a much brighter place. There’s a free calendar to print off with ideas of ways to serve for each day of December – go here to see it. (It’s never too late in the month to start! Each day counts!)
Want to join in too? Here are several resources we’re using this month:
Click here for a free children’s calendar that coordinates with the campaign at this site. We have it printed and up on our fridge too. Our kiddos love the do-able service ideas listed.
Click here for a free printable to help your family memorize Matthew 5:14-16. We’re reviewing it each morning at breakfast.
We printed out this tree and hung it in our living room – as we do service, we add paper ornaments. There’s a whole free downloadable kit available. Plus, this site is one of my favorites.
May you feel illuminated as you spread His light this Christmas season! May you feel wrapped in His arms of love. May you feel Him. Ever so close. Because He is!
Merry Christmas!
