“To you then who believe, he is precious; but for those who do not believe, “The stone that the builders rejected has become the very head of the corner,” and “A stone that makes them stumble, and a rock that makes them fall.” They stumble because they disobey the word, as they were destined to do. But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s own people, in order that you may proclaim the mighty acts of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. “ ( 1 Peter 2: 7-9 )
One of my favorite things to do at Christmas, and one I do not get to do often, is to go around and see Christmas lights. I love Christmas decorations – not, mind you, the ones that are large and inflatable or corny-gimmicky – but lights and decorations that glow with peace and warmth.
When we lived in Indiana there was a medium to high income housing development whose residents would throw lights up with reckless abandon. I loved it! We have some places like that here to in Eugene-Springfield, and during the Christmas season I look forward to driving past them or through them. But it is sort of a secret avocation, this sightseeing Christmas lights, and there are not enough occasions to satisfy my appetite.
I mention now only because of this verse, that we as Christians are called out of darkness into God’s marvelous light. Is this not good pairing, the gentle glowing lights of Christmas and God’s light? God’s light does not have to be glaring, blinding white light. God’s best and most inviting light was the star over Bethlehem. Our modern day Christmas lights might be a poor repetition of that light, and may have gone the way of more commercialism than reverence, but I take my inspiration and enjoyment where I find it. Maybe the homeowners whose lighting displays I admire did not intend to emulate the star over Bethlehem, or maybe they did. But those lights glowing out from the darkness call me to consider and ponder on the birth of Christ, and draw me into the Christmas season.
So number me among those who are in now rush to take down the Christmas adornments that celebrate Jesus birth. I follow the tradition of waiting until sometime in the New Year to pack away Christmas décor, and the very last being the nativity set. In fact I added another set to my collection, and have inserted a picture of it. Because I got it late in the season, I was not able to display it to take best advantage of it. Next year I hope to set it up where it will capture the natural light and glow. It is even more precious to me because was “redeemed” from a second hand store, given “new life” so to speak.
Jesus, in human form, was born only once. But Jesus can be re-born in our hearts as often as needed. That is one of the miracles of Christmas, and one of the ways God’s light beckons and calls to us.
May you seeker carry God’s light in your heart, and may it shine forth especially at this season. Selah!
A Simple Desire 
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