“The people walking in darkness have seen a great light;
on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned.”
Isaiah 9:2 (NIV84)
Do you have your Christmas tree up? We usually set up our tree the weekend following Thanksgiving. I try really hard not to put up Christmas decorations before Thanksgiving to let that holiday have its unique place. I'll be honest, sometimes it takes a bit of self-control, especially in years like this one when Thanksgiving and Christmas are about as close together as they ever get. But it’s up now, lit and decorated.
Christmas trees don’t just blend into the living room space like a lamp — they make a statement! In fact, I always have to rearrange furniture a bit to accommodate the tree — I bet you do too. This weekend, once I struck the perfect re-arrangement, and the tree was lit, and the fireplace was on, I told Paul, “I really do love this cozied-in feeling.” He said, “Yeah, what exactly is a cozied-in feeling?” “Crowded.” I replied, “It’s now Christmas crowded, and I love it!”
Like I said, the Christmas tree doesn’t simply blend in — it demands to be noticed. Of all the Christmas decorations we set out, I think the lighted Christmas tree is one of our best reminders that God sent His son to bring light into a dark world. Why is it the greatest reminder, you ask me? Well, think about it, trees come from a forest (well, mine actually came from Home Depot about 15 years ago, but just hang with me here) and forests are typically dark. So the point is, we put something right into the center of our homes that represents a dark place but with a twist. We light it up to demonstrate that something has changed, something extraordinary has happened.
What is that extraordinary change? Well, that’s what our theme verse prophesied — that people walking in darkness have seen a great light. The verse prior to this one pointed to a specific place (v.1) … in the future he will honor Galilee of the nations, by the Way of the Sea, beyond the Jordan. The basic fulfillment of that prophecy was the light of Jesus’ ministry in the area of Galilee. That’s where about 80% of his ministry happened. But Galilee hasn’t always had the corner on the darkness market — our world is dark too.
A dark world makes me think about Jesus’ words in the Sermon on the Mount (Matt. 5) about not hiding a lamp under a basket, but letting its light shine — letting it make a statement. Maybe our Christmas trees can inspire those of us who possess the light of Christ this year to not merely blend in but make a statement with the light that God has put into our hearts.
I hope these thoughts help you enjoy your Christmas tree in a new way this year.
As for my update, today I will have session 18 out of a total of 30 radiation sessions. I’m feeling great and I’m eager for the day that I send out a devotion and have nothing to report about my health. It’s right around the corner!
My Love & Blessings,
Sue
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