In Romans 13:12 we read, "Let us then lay aside the works of darkness and put on the armor of light."  Lights are a wonderful part of the Christmas season.  Many people choose to outline the shape of their homes in lights during these days of December.  Some prefer to place a single light in each window, creating the sense of a warm candle glow against the long, dark winter nights.  Lights are the first ornaments placed on the Christmas tree each year.  Many communities have an annual "Festival of Lights".  In beautiful Sarasota, Florida, located on the Gulf of Mexico, there is an annual Christmas Boat Parade of Lights.  Lights are part of the season...  and that is good.

Long ago, very near the beginning of time, God said, "Let there be light."  And there was light.  And God saw that the light was good.  (Genesis 1:3-4).  But over centuries of time, humankind began to prefer darkness to light.  God tried to break through the darkness through the judges, prophets and other leaders of Israel, but only partially succeeded.  Darkness once again crept over the face of the earth.  Thus in the fullness of God's time - at the right moment and in the right place - God said once again, "Let there be light," and Jesus was born.  Jesus brought a light that outshines all darkness.  (John 1:5).  Christmas is about a light that no darkness can extinguish or erase.  Believe that and claim it! 

Prayer:  Awesome God, invade our darkness with the light of Jesus Christ.  Give wings to our timid faith that we may soar like eagles above the valley or worry and fear, and the ravines of anger.  We want to much to believe in the magic of Christmas, the possibilities of love, the peace of mind that comes with a life of purpose and direction.  Open us now to the birth of Christ in our hearts and minds.  In Jesus' name.  Amen.