Christmas Lights

I love 7:05 on a weekday morning. The first wave of school buses have faithfully picked up the high school kids, the ambitious, overly caffeinated have raced off to work before dawn, and a short window of stillness descends upon the neighborhood. Often as I can I’ll seize this opportunity to take a quick walk.

There is something about walking in the dark. Besides the fact that my neighbors are spared the sight of me in my X-box pajama pants, no-makeup and pre-shower hair, the time just before sunrise offers other advantages. The blanket of black sky begins to give way to a pinkish orange horizon, yet the stars still shine as brightly as if it were midnight. This time of year, the scenery is even further enhanced by the display of Christmas lights covering trees, bushes, doorways and more.

Now I’m not suggesting that those homes without lights have been neglectful. Believe me, I could certainly live without the whole “You’re kidding, none of last year’s lights work?”…”Kids, don’t step on those”…”Josh, take the lights out of the cat’s mouth” scene.

It is just that the prominence of Christmas lights along the street is so noticeable that those homes without any lights are actually the ones which stand out. I’m almost shocked by the difference. The unlit homes reflect almost a cold, sad,empty feeling.

It seems to me that people are the same way. There is an undeniable light inside those who know God. Even when their days look dark, the light within them can’t be denied. This is a very real light, and it came to us about 2000 years ago.

The true light that gives light to every man was coming into the world. (John 1:9)
When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." (John 8:12)

This season, in addition to enjoying the beautiful Christmas lights, maybe we can remember to ask the One Who longs to give His light to all men to make Himself known to those in our lives who don’t know Him.

Shepherds, please share ways you are praying, petitions you are asking, on behalf of those in your lives this Christmas who don’t know the Light of the World.

Making Room

My sister-in-law pulled out all the stops for Thanksgiving this year.

As her many siblings with families-in-tow descended upon her home, she flung the door open wide and welcomed us warmly. Our particular family was thoughtful enough to arrive several hours early, just in time for lunch. Cindy would not be daunted. More proficient than a short-order cook, we were feasting on grilled ham and cheese sandwiches in no time.

Cindy had clearly been preparing for us for days. The house was so clean it looked and smelled like new. While she allowed everyone to contribute to the Thanksgiving meal, she did all the hard stuff -- turkey, gravy, potatoes, stuffing, and homemade pie. As we sat on our duffs, she kept moving. When she wasn’t washing linens, she was organizing card games and movies to entertain her fussy guests. She also planned activities for the children.

Cindy raised the bar for me for Christmas. I’m now working feverishly to have things perfect around here.

A friend told me yesterday that she has organized her time from now til Christmas, carefully assigning every task to a specific day. This way she has made room in her schedule to accomplish all that needs doing in an organized fashion.

I’ve made room too. Room in my home for overnight guests and room in my freezer for an 18 pound turkey. But I need to clear a bit more room. The timeless Christmas carol, Joy to the World, reminds us to “Let every heart prepare Him room…”. So I’m trying to be intentional every day to make room for Christ.

A.W. Tozer reminds us that God has already made room and is waiting for us…

God meant us to see Him and live with Him and draw our life from His smile. He wills that we should push on into His Presence and live our whole life there.

A.W.Tozer, The Pursuit of God

I know I will be stressed for the next few weeks. After all, I'm a woman, and it's Christmas. But I have begun to calm down, and I'm thinking it has to do with my making room every day for Jesus.

Shepherds, please share with each other ideas on how you might be making room this season for Christ.