True Christmas Lights

Donnie Snyder

December 2022

Christmas is a great time for some and not so great for others. For some families, they gather together in love. For other families, they gather because they are guilted into it and feel obligated. For others, no one cares, and they are left alone during a time that is supposed to be a time of joy. In my life I have experienced all three of these scenarios mentioned. In recent years, I have mainly been alone.

Loneliness is a fierce adversary. Loneliness in reality is emotional darkness. It closes in on you and blocks out the light. Emotions become raw and the hope and truth you have for your life is challenged to your very core. I have visited New York city several times. While there on more than one occasion, I thought that with all who reside in the city, it can be an extremely lonely place. With so many people, how could that be?

Christmas in America is a season of lights. The lights are probably more important to us than a Christmas tree. Afterall, a Christmas tree without lights is just a tree. Houses in my neighborhood began putting up Christmas lights one week after Halloween. A little too early for me, but hey, people want the lights. Do you remember driving through neighborhoods as a kid just to see the lights?

My oldest daughter Kelly loved Christmas lights as a child. One year when she was four years old, she saw a house in our neighborhood adorned elaborately with Christmas lights. In addition to the lights, the homeowner built two large displays in their front yard depicting Christmas scenes. Kelly somehow picked up on that word "scene" and every night that year she would not go to bed until she saw the "scene". So, our routine that December was to put on her footed pajamas, hop in the car to go see the scene. Somehow seeing that scene brought her contentment, and she was now ready for bed. The lights are what first attracted her to the house and then the "scene". I find that interesting, because as followers of Christ, we can demonstrate light to our culture to get its interest to then illuminate the truth about Jesus Christ. Our Christmas lights should point the way to the true light.

Light is the absence of darkness. God spoke light into the world when it was without form and darkness was over the face of the earth. Most theologians believe this was some sort of physical light, but this was not the sun, as God set the heavenly lights later. How interesting that God's first creative act was to bring light into the world. Think about that for a moment.

During my days with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, we had Tony Evans speak at a major event. Tony asked everyone in the ballroom to point in the direction North. Some got it correct, but an overwhelming number didn’t. He then said, could you tell what direction north was if the lights in the ballroom were turned off? Finally, he asked, if all the lights were turned out and he was the only one with a flashlight, who had the power at that moment? Undoubtedly, he had the power because he had the light. Make no mistake that there is power in light. Light eliminates darkness not some of the time but 100% of the time.

Darkness has covered the face of our American culture. It is a spiritual darkness and comes in many forms. The obvious ways this spiritual darkness manifest itself is through sexual immorality, sanctity of life issues, greed, and bigotry. However, I believe the breakdown of families is another critical way that spiritual darkness is impacting our culture.

Families impacted by divorce and families where love for one another as family members is not emphasized cause relational "fallout" and estrangement. We begin to not like each other over petty and non-essential stuff.

I truly think much of the loneliness in our culture can be directly traced back to the breakdown of the family. If you don't lovingly deal with these family issues, as you age, the hard reality sets in that you would give anything for a loving and spiritually healthy family.

Did I mention that loneliness is a “fierce adversary”? Loneliness is growing in our country. Loneliness is affecting the mental, physical, and spiritual health of our people. Loneliness is causing people to lose hope.

A 2018 survey by the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) discovered that about one-third of adults in America age 45 and older reported feeling lonely. The survey results showed that the same incidence of loneliness was reported across all races and ethnicities.

Another survey by the AARP Foundation found that people who are lonely and socially isolated are more likely to have health problems of all kinds. This has contributed to an estimated $6.7 billion in additional Medicare spending annually. Yes, that is the "B" word, billion.

This Christmas season let’s do things differently. Let’s focus on the light this year. Let’s focus on the light of Jesus Christ and how we can be an instrument of light to all who are living with the repercussions of our dark culture.

Jesus said:

"You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is heaven." - Matthew 5:14-16 ESV

Darkness is closing in all around us. We desperately need some light in America. As Tony Evans said, "he who has the light, has the power". Shine your light this Christmas. Shine it brightly. Shine in simple human ways that you have never shined it before. Reach out to the lonely. Love people in the light of Jesus Christ simply because they are children of God. People need hope and love for this life and the "Blessed Hope" of life eternal with their Heavenly Father. This is what Christmas is all about.

Shepherds were watching their sheep in the fields outside of Bethlehem when an angel of the Lord appeared to them. The angel said:

"Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord." - Luke 2:10-11 ESV

Did you get that? Jesus is for all people. Jesus is good news of great joy!

Whatever you do this Christmas, my solemn prayer is that you will be the light to those around you in new and meaningful ways. Remember, people want the lights at Christmas.

May you feel God's presence in your life as your light brings peace, hope and love to others.