Lights Out in Bethlehem

Happy Sunday, and Merry Christmas. I want to begin today by reading a few words from Luke Chapter 2: "And it came to pass in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. The census first took place while Corineus was governing Syria. So all went to be registered, everyone to his own City.

"Joseph also went up From Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house in the lineage of David. He went to be registered with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was with child. So it was that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, wrapped him in swaddling cloth, and laid him in a Manger, because there was no room for them in the end."

I've never been to Bethlehem. Just a few weeks ago, when I was teaching on Israel and the happenings in the Middle East, I read that the city of Bethlehem decided to take down all of the Christmas decorations that usually Grace the city at this time of year. It was a decision sadly made for political reasons. Bethlehem is located at the West Bank; it's largely a Muslim town today. This year, Bethlehem will be dark and unadorned.

Sadly, we live in a world where some prefer Darkness over light. Jesus said this in John chapter 3. Jesus said, "God's light came into the world, but people love the darkness more than the light." Sadly, our world Bears the scars of those who prefer Darkness to light.

I read this week that at the Iowa state capital in De Mo there's a holiday display, a holiday display sponsored by the satanic temple, an altar to Satan. Choosing Darkness over light. We can shake our heads and wonder what the world is coming to, or we can focus on the light.

Jesus said in John 8, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." In John 12, Jesus said, "I've come as light into the world world, so that everyone who believes in me should not remain in the darkness."

It has been my great joy to see so many people walk in the light. One of my favorite people in this world is perhaps to get a new job soon that comes with a large pay increase. He told me the other day that he was looking forward to being able to give more. Is that awesome? He doesn't plan on buying a new Ferrari or a house in a Swanky neighborhood; he want wants to give more. That's walking in the light.

I know of a great church that this Christmas decided to give all the money they receive in the month of December away. They met their budget in November, so this month they'll give away hundreds of thousands of dollars. December is usually the biggest month for offerings. That is walking in the light.

I read of a Hindu Trader in India. He had befriended a Christian Missionary, and they'd become close. One day the man asked the missionary, "What do you put on your face to make it shine?" The missionary was perplexed. He said, "I don't, I don't put anything on my face."

But his questioner was persistent: "You must. All of you who believe in Jesus seem to have it. I've seen it in the towns of Agra and Surat and even in Bombay." Suddenly the Christian Missionary understood. He told his friends, "Now I know what you mean, and I tell you the secret. It's not something we put on from the outside, but something that comes from within. It's the reflection of the light of God in our hearts."

It is my prayer this season and forever more that the light of God will shine in your life and in mine. In Matthew Chapter 5, Jesus said about his followers, "You are the light the world. Let your light so shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your father in Heaven."

I remember singing a song when I was a kid: "This Little Light of Mine, I'm going to let it shine." Isn't that a great resolution for today? My life sure has been blessed by folks who have done just that. Merry Christmas. Let your light shine.

Pray with me. Father, help us to let our light shine, not for our Glory, but for yours. Thank for the people that you put in our lives that do just that. They shine and give a good name to followers of Christ, as we all should have. Thank you for coming for us, for bringing light in this Dark World. In the name of Jesus I pray, amen.

God bless. Thanks for joining me today. Merry Christmas.