Have a Light Filled Christmas!

by Elizabeth Stewart

Thanksgiving has come and gone and today is the first Sunday of Advent. We are nearing the end of a year marked by a world-wide pandemic, civil unrest, a contentious election and any number of personal challenges that all of the above have exacerbated. Regardless of this year's tests and trials, Christmas is still coming and we still have something to celebrate! Christ the Savior was born for you and for me!

There's been a lot of talk about a coming "dark winter." Look at what happened to God's people, the children of Israel, in the book of Exodus when darkness covered the land where they dwelled.

And the Lord said unto Moses, Stretch out thine hand toward heaven, that there may be darkness over the land of Egypt, even darkness which may be felt. And Moses stretched forth his hand toward heaven; and there was a thick darkness in all the land of Egypt three days: They saw not one another, neither rose any from his place for three days: but all the children of Israel had light in their dwellings. Exodus 10:21-23 

God's Word tells us that the things that are written in the Old Testament, are written as examples for us New Testament believers. I don't believe that the things that have happened this year have to rob us of the light and joy of the Christmas season. We may not be able to gather in groups as usual. Our favorite events may be canceled, our favorite restaurants may be closed. But, let's all think back to when our calendars were overflowing with holiday activities and we had to-do lists as long as our arm. Remember all of the times we longed for a more simple, more peaceful holiday? And now, we all have every reason to have one. Whether we enjoy it or not is up to us. Even if this Christmas doesn't look the same as Christmases past, even if the news is full of gloomy predictions of a "dark winter," our hearts and homes can be full of light and joy and love and peace if Jesus, the Light of the World, dwells there. 

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