Optional Scripture: Isaiah 2:1-5 (lectionary text)

Families gather around the Christmas tree and begin to decorate, beginning with the lights. The lights on the tree are followed by the rest of the ornaments, which reflect the light and make the tree aglow.

In the bible, Matthew 5:14 states, “You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hid.” Here, Jesus basically tells us that we were made to stand out in the world. Okay, got it. What else? According to Isaiah 2:2, Jerusalem “shall be raised above the hills; all the nations shall stream to it.” Isaiah prophesies that Jerusalem shall be the future house of God, where everyone shall learn the ways of the Lord. Jesus is saying more than just that we are meant to stand out. He is saying that we are like Jerusalem on the hill, unable to be hidden, and that we will attract people through our charity. As it says in Matthew 4:16, “let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works.” Light often times is symbolized as goodness and virtue. To share this light with others is to do good unto them and show them love and pure kindness.

As my way of sharing light, I sponsor a child in Costa Rica. The sponsorship, organized through a Christian mission organization, pays for her school materials and meal products for her family. It is my hope the light I have shone on Maria leads her into the light, both in goodness and knowledge. To incorporate the Christmas theme and tie in my opening statements, I’m leaving you with this: we are the Christmas lights, and the ornaments are the people we impact, who now have a light of their own to shine and share with others.