Christmas Lights

My brother Mike lives in a subdivision of Chaska, Minnesota which is nestled amongst 18 holes of tee-boxes, fairways and greens. Obviously these homeowners have the ability to pay the healthy property taxes which comes with the territory. His subdivision named, “Fairway Hills” is well known for the spectacular Christmas lights which are displayed on just about every home. Sometime in late October most of the homeowners have their Christmas lights professionally strung, attached, and applied to the homes and trees in their front yards. As with most neighborhoods there are certain rules and regulations which all homeowners must follow. Sadly they just can’t leave their lights up year-round (which I think they would do it if they could convince their homeowners association). Sometime in November the lights start coming on all along Fairway Drive. By Thanksgiving every home is fully illuminated and the multiple lights and colors are just so wonderful to view. Even though they have covenants within their homeowner’s agreement many of them leave their lights on until late into February and no one seems to mind! Don’t forget with daylight hours so scarce during this time of the year, the light show is very cathartic. There seems to be something very healing and wholesome while admiring the lights displayed during the Christmas season.

During the 2019 Christmas (Advent season) I’ve chosen a sermon theme called, “Light has come!” Don’t confuse this with the 2019 Christmas Café theme: “Scenes of Christmas”. Janet and I are hoping all of you have been inviting family and friends to attend on December 14th. There is more than enough advertisement so please take advantage of these resources.

Here is an interesting observation to ponder as we celebrate Christmas on December 24/25th and just two days earlier all of us who live in the northern hemisphere experienced the shortest day of daylight hours. Let’s consider the contrast between the least daylight day of the year and when the eternal light of the world first came as Emmanuel. Here’s what Luke 2 records “Sovereign Lord, now let your servant die in peace, as you have promised. I have seen your salvation, which you have prepared for all people. He is a light to reveal God to the nations, and he is the glory of your people Israel!”

Over the next four Sundays will discuss how the “Light of the World” changes our lives and invades the darkness of man’s dark soul. Bethlehem, Israel was having its shortest day of daylight 2000+ years ago when the light of the world arrived. How profound!

Consider the words to this song: Light of the World, You stepped down into darkness, Open my eyes, Let me see, Beauty that made this heart adore You, Hope of a life, Spent with You…Here I am to worship, Here I am to bow down, Here I am to say that You're my God, You’re altogether lovely, Altogether worthy, Altogether wonderful to me! Even more profound, This little light of mine…

In 2020 His light needs to shine brighter than ever!