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?)