They are a pretty important part of the holidays.  We string the lights.  Hang the lights.  Drive around to see the lights.

They’re on the houses, on the storefronts, on wreaths and doors and lampposts.  We make a big deal out of tree lightings.  Here in West Palm Beach we have a light show every night on the big tree at the waterfront, and lights strung from both sides of the city streets form a twinkling canopy over the road.

Early one morning last week as I plugged in the little white lights I have strung around a mirror in my living room, I wondered why.

Why did lights become such a big thing at Christmas?

“I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.”  (John 8:12)

We have lights at Christmas because of Jesus.  Most people don’t recognize that. It never crosses their minds when they are standing on ladders with tangles of bulbs and extension cords, that what they are really doing is heralding the coming of the Light of the World.

When it was so very dark, He came in the night.  A bright star announced Him.  An even brighter host of angels filled the black sky with their “glory in the highest” song.

Tonight when you plug in your trees and your lampposts and your wreaths, when you drive past decorated homes and businesses and shopping centers, when twinkling things make you look and smile, remember this.

We have lights at Christmas because of Jesus.

The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; Those who dwelled in the land of the shadow of death, upon them a light has shined.                       Isaiah 9:2

Arise, shine; for your light has come! And the glory of the LORD is risen upon you.  Isaiah 60:1

For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light.  Ephesians 5:8