In the midst of our holiday preparations, I found myself wide awake one night, thoughts consumed by what Christmas truly means in our modern world. As I tossed and turned, I felt the Lord showing me something powerful: we need to break free from the superficial traditions that often overshadow the true meaning of Christmas.
The Problem with Our Modern Christmas Perspective
Don't get me wrong – I'm not saying our cherished Christmas traditions are inherently harmful. There's nothing wrong with Christmas trees, gift exchanges, or visiting family. But when these become our primary associations with Christmas, when they're the first things that spring to mind instead of the miraculous gift of Jesus, we've lost sight of something profound.
Understanding the Magi's Journey
The story of the Magi in Matthew 2:1-12 reveals something remarkable about God's heart. These wise men were from modern-day Arabia, Iraq, or Iran – completely removed from Jewish culture and tradition. They were scholars and astrologers practicing false religions, yet God chose to reveal His Son to them through a star.
Some theologians believe the Magi had heard prophecies about the Messiah, while others suggest they knew nothing about Him until God supernaturally revealed Himself through this celestial sign. Either way, their story demonstrates how God reaches into complete darkness to draw people to His light.
The Revolutionary Doctrine of the Incarnation
The Christmas story isn't just a heartwarming tale to put on your mantle. It's the foundation of our salvation and a doctrine that fundamentally separates Christianity from every other religion. Think about this: the God of the universe, who created every bit of matter in existence, chose to become human because of His love for us.
This isn't just another miracle – it's the most mind-blowing event in human history. The incarnation means God physically and actually became human, putting on flesh and bone to walk among us. This wasn't just a spiritual experience or a metaphor; it was God literally entering our world as one of us.
From Darkness to Light
Isaiah 9:2 tells us, "The people who walk in darkness will see a great light." This perfectly captures what Christmas represents. We often forget that before Christ, we were all in total darkness spiritually. It's easy to remember a time when we didn't know God, but we sometimes forget just how lost we were.
Think about trying to walk in complete darkness. I remember once in a hotel room in Savannah, where my wife had managed to block out every ray of light (she has an impressive talent for that). I got up in the middle of the night and walked straight into a wall, cutting my forehead. That's what spiritual darkness is like – you can't see where you're going, you can't run as fast as you were meant to run, you're completely lost.
The True Light of Christmas
When Jesus said, "I am the light of the world" in John 8:12, He wasn't speaking metaphorically. Just as the sun gives us physical life, Jesus gives us spiritual life. Consider these parallels:
1. The Sun Gives Life
Without the sun, we'd freeze to death. Similarly, Acts 17:28 tells us that in Jesus, "we live and move and have our being." We couldn't take a single breath without Him.
2. The Sun Reveals Truth
Try driving at night without headlights – you won't get far safely. Jesus reveals truth in our lives, showing us the way forward.
3. The Sun Measures Time
Our entire system of time is based on the sun. In the same way, our lives need to be centered around Jesus, with rhythms and seasons that revolve around Him.
4. The Sun's Beauty
Just as a sunset can take our breath away, the revelation of who Jesus is should inspire and amaze us daily.
Christmas Lights as Reminders
This is why I love Christmas lights so much. When I was growing up, we didn't always have money for expensive entertainment, but we could pile into the car in our pajamas and drive around looking at Christmas lights. It was free and magical.
This year, I want to challenge you to see Christmas lights differently. Every time you see those twinkling lights, simply say, "Thank you, Jesus." Make it a habit. Yes, you might be saying it a lot if your neighborhood goes all out with decorations, but that's the point. Let every light remind you of the true Light that came into our darkness.
A Preview of Eternity
Revelation 22:5 tells us that in heaven, "They will not need the light of a lamp or the light of the sun, for the Lord God will give them light." Christmas gives us a preview of this eternal reality – what it means to have that beautiful, shining Light illuminate our darkness.
Following the Star Today
The Magi followed a star without knowing exactly where it would lead, but they trusted the light would guide them to something extraordinary. That's what faith looks like – trusting in the direction even when we can't see the complete path. The ground beneath might be rough, the surroundings might be dark, but we keep our eyes on that Light.
This Christmas season may not solve all your problems, but if you follow the Star – if you focus on Jesus – your destination will never be in question. The path might be tough, and it's different for each of us, but that Light will always lead us to Jesus.
So this year, let's rediscover Christmas. Let's see it not just as a holiday or a collection of traditions, but as the miraculous moment when Light broke into our darkness, when God became human to save us. Let every Christmas light remind you of that truth, and let your heart respond with gratitude for the greatest gift ever given.
