Some gifts stay with us. They mark time. They define a season of our life or a special relationship. No matter how many other presents we get, we don’t forget gifts like these. Their impact transcends the moment we unwrap and marvel at them. Such is the gift of Christmas—the birth of the child named Jesus, born in Bethlehem.  

As we gaze more intently, more deeply into the beautiful mystery of the Incarnation, of the Word of God made flesh, we cannot help but experience an epiphany. Epiphany is a Greek word that means “manifestation” or “appearance,” specifically one that leads to a revelation. A light has come into our shared wandering in the darkness—the ever-present shadow of ignorance, fear, and a tendency towards violence that looms over the world. Not just any light, but the Light of our Creator’s person and presence. The Light of the world, the divine fire by which all life has been, is, and ever will be generated, is within our sight, our reach, and our comprehension.

Where once we were blind, now we can see. In the perfect wholeness and integrity of Jesus’ humanity, we catch a glimpse of all that we are created to be and might still become. By way of Christ’s practical expressions of unconditional love, generous compassion, and unmerited forgiveness, we behold a tangible reflection of being a part of the Kingdom of God rather than attempting to rule our own lives. Through his unrelenting devotion and willing offering of his life for ours, Jesus Christ illuminates the undeniable goodness of the character of God—goodness that transforms the shadow of death into the dawn of resurrection.    

In coming down to us in Christ, God turns on the light—setting ablaze up our lives and this world spiritually—with the intention of that luster—the Light of Jesus always staying on. Light is meant to be seen. Light is intended to shine. When light truly shines, light spreads, permeating every corner, reflecting and refracting off everything we see. The Light of Jesus is no different. The Light that is Christ comes to be shared—for its brightness to reflect into the lives of others. Its visibility and solace are desperately needed in a world continually bruised by suffering and loss.

As we receive the brilliance of Jesus in our lives, we are to become light bearers of Christ. Our responsibility is not to generate our own light. The Light we have to share does not belong to us but is an overflow of the radiance of God’s truth, love, and grace being cast into our lives. Like the moon reflects the luminesce of the sun, we, as children of God, are called to reflect the glory of the Son of God. Jesus tells us plainly, as we believe and follow him, “You are the Light of the World” (Matthew 5:14 - 16).

We are true light bearers for Jesus as we push back against the shadows of doom and gloom that are so easily manifest around us. Gratefully abiding in and extending the blessings of God’s presence and provision, we reflect not only the possibility but the palpability of hope. We display the character of Christ as we illuminate the image of God in each person—particularly those who are lost, confused, forgotten, or afraid. As we dispel the shades of apathy, selfishness, and cruelty by being conduits of the brightness of God’s justice and mercy through our sacrifice and service, we will reflect the Light that has come into the world that the darkness cannot overcome.

Jesus, “the true light that gives light to everyone” (John 1:9) has come into the world, who has come to make all things new, and cannot be dampened or hidden away. Christ, the sacred radiance that enables and empowers us to be changed and transformed into our best, eternal selves, has dawned and continues to rise before us. By faith, let us continue to walk in the Light that he is and reflect a better and brighter today and tomorrow for all people.

Some gifts stay with us. They mark time. They define a season of our life or a special relationship. No matter how many other presents we get, we don’t forget gifts like these. Their impact transcends the moment we unwrap and marvel at them. Such is the gift of Christmas—the birth of the child named Jesus, born in Bethlehem.  

As we gaze more intently, more deeply into the beautiful mystery of the Incarnation, of the Word of God made flesh, we cannot help but experience an epiphany. Epiphany is a Greek word that means “manifestation” or “appearance,” specifically one that leads to a revelation. A light has come into our shared wandering in the darkness—the ever-present shadow of ignorance, fear, and a tendency towards violence that looms over the world. Not just any light, but the Light of our Creator’s person and presence. The Light of the world, the divine fire by which all life has been, is, and ever will be generated, is within our sight, our reach, and our comprehension.

Where once we were blind, now we can see. In the perfect wholeness and integrity of Jesus’ humanity, we catch a glimpse of all that we are created to be and might still become. By way of Christ’s practical expressions of unconditional love, generous compassion, and unmerited forgiveness, we behold a tangible reflection of being a part of the Kingdom of God rather than attempting to rule our own lives. Through his unrelenting devotion and willing offering of his life for ours, Jesus Christ illuminates the undeniable goodness of the character of God—goodness that transforms the shadow of death into the dawn of resurrection.    

In coming down to us in Christ, God turns on the light—setting ablaze up our lives and this world spiritually—with the intention of that luster—the Light of Jesus always staying on. Light is meant to be seen. Light is intended to shine. When light truly shines, light spreads, permeating every corner, reflecting and refracting off everything we see. The Light of Jesus is no different. The Light that is Christ comes to be shared—for its brightness to reflect into the lives of others. Its visibility and solace are desperately needed in a world continually bruised by suffering and loss.

As we receive the brilliance of Jesus in our lives, we are to become light bearers of Christ. Our responsibility is not to generate our own light. The Light we have to share does not belong to us but is an overflow of the radiance of God’s truth, love, and grace being cast into our lives. Like the moon reflects the luminesce of the sun, we, as children of God, are called to reflect the glory of the Son of God. Jesus tells us plainly, as we believe and follow him, “You are the Light of the World” (Matthew 5:14 - 16).

We are true light bearers for Jesus as we push back against the shadows of doom and gloom that are so easily manifest around us. Gratefully abiding in and extending the blessings of God’s presence and provision, we reflect not only the possibility but the palpability of hope. We display the character of Christ as we illuminate the image of God in each person—particularly those who are lost, confused, forgotten, or afraid. As we dispel the shades of apathy, selfishness, and cruelty by being conduits of the brightness of God’s justice and mercy through our sacrifice and service, we will reflect the Light that has come into the world that the darkness cannot overcome.

Jesus, “the true light that gives light to everyone” (John 1:9) has come into the world, who has come to make all things new, and cannot be dampened or hidden away. Christ, the sacred radiance that enables and empowers us to be changed and transformed into our best, eternal selves, has dawned and continues to rise before us. By faith, let us continue to walk in the Light that he is and reflect a better and brighter today and tomorrow for all people.