One of my very favorite things about Christmas is the
lighting. I absolutely LOVE to sit by
the glow of the tree. I have our tree
lights on timers so that pretty much any time it is the least bit dark outside,
the lights are on.
It has been a little more fun to enjoy the lights this year,
because the space in our new home allowed for more lights. There is a big tree in the living room, and
greenery on the mantle, greenery on the stairway railing, and a small tree in
the dining area. All of these are lit at
the same time and the lights reflect off of the hardwood floor making the room
glow almost brighter than it does with the actually living room lights on (ok,
maybe that is because the living room lighting is TERRIBLE). In the basement we have another full-sized
tree and greenery on the mantle, and again the glow is so beautiful the light shines
even to the top of the stairs.
To me, there is something comforting about the glow of those
lights. It makes me feel cozy and
safe. It makes the sad feeling of the 4:30
pm dark much less gloomy. It brings a
beauty to the house that is totally different.
The tree lights make snuggling with a sleepy toddler even more snuggly,
and Hallmark movie “couch dates” with the hubby more romantic. That beautiful, warm glow brings a little
extra peace to the busy season and joy to my heart. And in January, it KILLS me to take down the tree,
because I just hate the thought of that beautiful lighting leaving my home.
It also reminds me, that Jesus tells us to be the light of
the world. And when I think about how
much I love my tree lights, I realize what a huge and humbling task He asks of
us. I want my light to make others feel
safe and cozy. That they could come to
me if they needed a soft place to land.
I want that light to make me different, because after all it isn’t MY light
that they are seeing, but who Jesus is shining out of me. I want that light to glow with a beauty that
is totally different than anything else, because it glorifies God. I want
people to see a light that brings a little more peace to a situation, and joy
to their hearts. And I want to be
horrified at the thought of that light ever leaving my home and my life.
I am ashamed to admit that some days, my light isn’t as
beautiful as the Christmas tree. I get
easily frustrated and discouraged, I don’t always choose joy like I should, and
some days busyness and exhaustion get the best of my light.
I pray that this Christmas, the lights I love so much will
constantly remind me of the light I am called to share with others. The light of Jesus that makes such a
difference in every circumstance, the light I never have to put away no matter
the season.
“You are the light of the word.
A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.
In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see
your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5: 14, 16
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