His life is the light that shines through the darkness—and the darkness can never extinguish it. (John 1:5) One of the most enjoyable and shared traditions at Christmastime is driving through neighborhoods to look at light displays. From humble efforts to over-the-top extravaganzas, light extinguishes the darkness and brightens our world. There’s something special about how it feels to bring joy to other people, to shine light into their lives. It makes our time and investment worth it. For a little while at the end of every year, the earth lights up to celebrate the birth of Jesus…the gift of God…and the hope of eternal life. Let every string of bulbs, every star, and every tree, illuminate the manger in our mind…and flood our hearts with a new gratitude for the grace that cost Him everything.

Eternal life is in Him, and this life gives light to all mankind. John 1:4