Friday, July 23, 2010

Christmas in July: Evening Five

One tradition I have loved in the past is the Christmas Eve Candlelight Service. The time of fellowship at church is wonderful, spending time in God's Word and reminding ourselves of what Christmas is really all about.

What I especially love is the image presented when the candles are lit. It all starts with the one bright candle, up in front for all to see. The flame of that one candle lights the first couple of candles, and then that flame is shared until the whole room is shining with the light of many candles.

What a beautiful picture! And in the same way, Jesus was the Light that came into the world to set all those who would believe on fire for Him. Take a look at these words from John 1:6-13:

"There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe. He was not the Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light. That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world. He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not. He came unto his own, and his own received him not. But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God."

Jesus was the Light that came to offer us grace and bring us hope by believing in Him. May we share the light we have been given with others. We did not create the flame--for Jesus Himself is the true Light--but may the Lord use us to pass it along. May the glow of many candles come before God!

(The pictures above are of my grandparents' house at Christmas. My uncle really goes all out when it comes to decorating! Oh, and can everyone see the background now?)

10 comments:

Kav said...

What a great reminder that the real reason for the season lasts all through the year. I love the symbolism of light. Used to be Christmas was the only time I lit candles. Now I have some really neat beeswax candles that I light when I do my bible study. All kinds of 'light' scriptures come to mind when I light them. And the smell reminds me of candlelight services at church.

And yest...I see colour!!! :-)

Bluerose said...

Beautiful post!! I love those pictures, too. :)

And the color has been working for me all along. :) I know some were seeing white, though. Blue is my favorite color, so I really like this one. They've all been pretty, though.

Amber Holcomb said...

Kav,

So true--the message of Christmas is not a seasonal one! It lasts all year long. :)

Candles are so beautiful, and I'm so glad you're getting to enjoy them during your Bible study time! The symbolism of light is powerful indeed.

And I'm so glad you're seeing color!!! Woohoo! :)

~Amber

Amber Holcomb said...

Bluerose,

Thank you! And I just love Christmas lights, don't you? They're almost magical. :)

And I'm happy to hear you're seeing color, too! Now that tag in the upper left corner is gone, so it's nice to just enjoy the background. ;) I love blue, too! (And thank you for the compliment about all of the backgrounds I've chosen!)

~Amber

Ariel Wilson said...

Mmmm... I love candles.

Yes I can see the background!

Amber Holcomb said...

Ariel,

Me, too! Candles have such a calming and comforting effect. :)

And hooray! You can see the background, too! I think we have success. ;)

Thanks for stopping by!

~Amber

Project Journal said...

I LOVE Christmas lights. Just have put that in there. Sorry it's late, but you know how it goes with work. Lol. Doesn't matter though...I LOVE Xmas lights! 'Nuff said *wink*
Hannah

Amber Holcomb said...

Hannah,

I love Christmas lights, too! :) And no problem--it's nice to see you around whenever you get a moment. Hope work is going well for you!

~Amber

Amanda Stanley said...

Oh Amber, this post is so beautiful and worded so perfectly! Jesus IS the true Light, and if that Light lives inside of us may we ALWAYS be on fire for Him and not hide under a bushel. And John was an amazing forerunner, may we strive to be like him for the glory of our God.

Light is such a wonderful gift- no amount of darkness can swallow it up, and the way light brought comfort and chased away the monster's as a kid, Light brings perfect peace and saves us from our monster's, now! God is good :)

Amber, your Christmas Eve candlelight service sounds beautiful, I wish I could join you! And like those candles, you shine so brightly for the Lord, my friend!

I'll visit your latest blog tomorrow- it's already midnight here and what I type probably won't make sense anyway :P

Praying for you!!

Blessings,
Amanda Stanley

Amber Holcomb said...

Amanda,

Thank you! God is so good! :D I love John the Baptist's example, especially when he said, "He must increase, but I must decrease" (John 3:30). What a beautiful attitude, and a great example for us during our "Seasons of Humility!" May God use us to point to the true source of Light. :)

Thank you again for your sweet words! I haven't gone to the Christmas Eve Candlelight Services every year, but the ones I've been to have been so moving. I hope you get a chance to go to one sometime!

I'm so glad you could visit, and I'll look forward to seeing you around again soon! ;) Thank you for your prayers!

~Amber