Light of Christmas

Light of Christmas shining through
Our eyes, our smiles, you know it could
shine on through all the good
that we do for the people that don't have it so good

This song by Owl City and Toby Mac is one of my kids favorites. But it is only in the final verses that the song really comes alive. Let me explain.

A few days ago, we saw a very well-produced video on YouTube “The Christ Child: A Nativity Story.” We just stumbled upon it, and it wasn’t until the end that we realized it was a production of the LDS, ending with this message: “‘Jesus of Nazareth… went about doing good’ (Acts 10:38). This Christmas Season, so can you.”

Like the bulk of “Light of Christmas” our tendency is to focus on good deeds, especially at this time of year. “All the good that we do for the people who don’t have it so good” is a commanded of Christ (Luke 6:34-35; 14:12-14) and a blessed thing to be celebrated. But if we end our Christmas message here, we have made it about ourselves, stolen glory owed God, and utterly failed to be that “light of Christmas.”

“After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, in the time of King Herod, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem saying, “Where is the one who is born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.’” –Matthew 2:1-2

A few nights ago there was a close conjuncture with Saturn and Jupiter, making it appear in the sky as one large star. Some have labeled it the “Christmas Star,” because of its proximity to the holiday. But it also has been hypothesized that a planetary conjuncture (Jupiter with either Saturn or Venus) was probably what the actual Christmas star might have been. The arguments are compelling, and seem to fit with the star “rising,” “stopping,” enduring over time, and the fact that most people (especially Herod) seemed unaware of its presence (vv.2-3,9). What we typically see depicted in illustrations and movies would have hardly gone unnoticed.

But perhaps that is the problem with many of God’s “stars” here on earth. They go unnoticed.

“You are the light of the world. A city located on a hill cannot be hidden. People do not light a lamp and put it under a basket but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before people, so that they can see your good deeds and give honor to your Father in heaven.” –Matthew 5:14-16

“When they saw the star, they shouted joyfully.” –Matthew 2:10

Just as every star in the night sky “proclaims the glory of God” (Psa 19:1-2), we too are to shine bright for the Lord. Not to get people to look at us, but (like John the Baptist) guide others to the “True Light” who has come “into the world” (John 1:6-8). We only want others following us as we guide others to Christ (John 8:12; 1Co 11:1).

Light me up and I'll show you the way
Every year can't wait for Christmas day
Light me up, I finally figured out
What Christmas is all about

Do you hear the sound?
A thousand angels are singing out
To God Almighty we're bowing down
And that's what Christmas is all about

Christmas is not about doing good deeds. It’s about worship. It’s about bowing down to Christ as King and bringing our all to lay at His feet. (Consider these verses to another song)

We're like stars
Shining all through the night
Shimmering in the sky
Showing the world that we love Jesus
Stars
Burning with love so bright
Blazing with hope and life
Bringing him glory
We will shine like stars

Let us not go unnoticed and have our message concealed. Be the light of Christmas all year long, not just doing good works that warm hearts, but burn with His love through your every action and word. Bring him glory by “blazing with hope and life,” praying that others will take notice when Jesus is lifted up (John 12:32), and they will be drawn to follow you to the Savior.

Shine like stars.