As the Christmas season approaches, the sparkling lights on homes and streets everywhere fill us with childlike wonder and excitement. These beautiful displays of light pierce through the darkness of winter, filling us with warmth, joy and hope. The glow from the faces of our loved ones as we join together for this special time each year lights up our lives in a profound and meaningful way. Most wondrous of all is the heavenly light that came down to earth over 2,000 years ago on that holy night when Christ was born. Although we don’t know exactly when Christ was born, we know that He was born and that He is the Son of God, the true light of the world.
In John 8:12, Christ proclaims, “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.” Through God’s incredible, divine love for us, He sent His Son into the world to light our path back to Him. Jesus lights our way through the darkness and difficulties that we all face during our earthly lives, giving us hope, comfort, peace, purpose and the promise of eternal salvation. He is always shining His glorious light upon us, even when we feel we are stumbling through periods of darkness.
God calls us in Matthew 5:16 to “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” As parents, grandparents, caregivers and friends, He asks us to reflect the light of Christ through our words and deeds in order to inspire those around us. Especially during the holiday season, we have the opportunity to kindle in their hearts the light, hope and miracle of Christ’s birth. We can teach them through our example what it truly means to embody the spirit of Christ — selfless love, compassion, generosity, kindness and bringing light to those who need it most during this special time of year.
Here are some ideas on how to share the light of Christ’s love with your family this Christmas season:
1. Read the Nativity story together and discuss its symbolism — Jesus came to earth as a helpless baby to a poor family, yet angels heralded His birth as a glorious, joyful event of heavenly importance. Talk about the many ways God shows His power through vulnerability and meekness.
2. Do acts of kindness together as a family during this holiday season, such as donating gently used toys, serving meals at a shelter or baking cookies for community heroes. Show children how small acts of love make a big difference.
3. Sing or listen to beloved Christmas carols and hymns whose lyrics glorify Jesus’ birth and God’s gift of salvation to the world because of His great love for us.
4. Enjoy a peaceful, candlelit Christmas Eve celebrating Jesus, the light of the world, through prayer, Bible readings and music. Describe the stillness of that very first Christmas night.
5. Most importantly, let your light shine every day by modeling Jesus’ teachings — love, grace, patience, empathy and compassion. Our children learn from our real-life examples of living in His light.
This Christmas, determine as a family to walk in the light of Christ by following His path of selfless love and service to others. May the miracle of Jesus’ birth stir your hearts to renewed hope, purpose and a sense of wholeness.
