The true light, which gives light to everyone, was coming into the world. (John 1:9)

One of my favorite Christmas traditions as a family is to drive around the neighborhood and look

at all the houses decorated with the most beautiful lights. It could be the darkest of nights, but

the glow of the houses lights up every street -- expelling any darkness. The flickering of the

lights often reminds me of the scripture John 1:9: The true light, which gives light to everyone,

was coming into the world.

The lights we use to decorate our homes and the nativity scenes we place on the mantle with

the star right above the stable- the star that led the wise men to Jesus – are all reminders that

Jesus is the greatest light of all. When we are saved, we too have the light (Matthew 5:16).

It is so easy to get distracted and be so busy that we forget to stop and ponder the true reason

for the holiday. May we remember as we hang our lights on the tree or admire the lights on our

neighbor’s home that Jesus is truly the greatest light of all and that He came and became flesh

(John 1:14) for you and me so that we could have the opportunity to live with Him forever.

This Christmas season try and slow down and reflect on what this season is all about,

remembering that we can carry the light of Jesus within us this Christmas by helping those who

are less fortunate or being there for ones who are missing a loved one. We can be the light of

Jesus for others and God can ultimately receive the glory. The light of Jesus can drive out any

darkness -- let’s light up our world this Christmas!

By Lauren Hill

Lauren has been married to her high school sweetheart, Adam, for 12 years and they have two

daughters, Story, and Violet. They attend the Georgetown campus where Lauren serves in

children’s church.

Your Daily Missions Moment:

You can help foster and adoptive families through Orphan Care Alliance. Just by signing up for Gateway.  Gateway will notify you when they have a specific need for a family and you can choose to help them through this service.