Do you have any Advent traditions? I’ve started a couple with my grandkids. One hangs on a wall in my living room and each day a little figure is moved from one date to the next. I also found a wooden deer with drawers that I fill with candy and prizes for the little ones to open.

In my dream world, each day my grandchildren would gather around one of these two advent reminders and we would talk about the real meaning of Christmas. But in my real world, the grandbabies are only at my home once a week. This year the advent traditions have gone out the window. I must do better next year.

When my children were young, we had an Advent log. Holes were bored into a 4×4 piece of wood and candles were placed in each one. At the close of each day, a new candle was lit, we’d share a short devotion, and we would sing. By Christmas Eve, the room would be filled with great light and the Christmas season would once again come to an end. My sister and her family have continued this tradition and still visit the advent log on a daily basis.

My Sister’s Advent Log

The great light that shone through the darkness of our living room was a great reminder of Jesus. As the advent log was lit, more light was revealed. The same way Jesus was revealed to the world. At first, just a tiny glimpse. Prophecies of Jesus were given to Old Testament peoples which gave them a hope. Something to long and wait for.

Then the light grew brighter and brighter with each prophecy, until the full illumination of Jesus was fulfilled through His birth, His life, His sacrificial death, and His resurrection.

Isaiah was a great proclaimer of the promised Messiah. In his writings, he spoke of such a light. “The people walking in darkness have seen a great light.” (Isaiah 9:2a – NIV) We know how dark the world can be. Without Jesus, there would be no light at all. How thankful we should be to God because He was willing to share the Light of Heaven with us here on earth.

Isaiah also said, “Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord rises upon you.” (Isaiah 60:1 – NIV) As Jesus shines His light into our lives, we then are to shine for the world to see Him through us. Our light should not be dim, but as bright as a cloudless, summer day in Colorado. Now that is bright!

Jesus’ beloved disciple, John, shared his thoughts on the Great Light in John 1:9 (NIV). “The true light that gives light to every man was coming into the world.” Oh what a statement. As we look to the True Light and accept Him as our Lord and Savior, our lives are filled with His light.

As I sit at my desk, one of my Christmas trees is visible. It is covered with lights. I’m sure your Christmas tree is covered with lights as well. Let’s use these lights as a reminder to worship the True Light each day.

Let’s not walk in darkness as the world does. Let’s allow the Light to penetrate the deepest, darkest areas of our lives and fill us with His light.

Philip P. Bliss, a great American songwriter, wrote a song about the Light of the world. Read through these words. Hum the tune if you know it. It is a great reminder of who and what Jesus is to the world.

The Light of the World is Jesus

The whole world was lost in the darkness of sin,
The Light of the world is Jesus!
Like sunshine at noonday, His glory shone in;
The Light of the world is Jesus!

Refrain:
Come to the light, ’tis shining for thee;
Sweetly the light has dawned upon me;
Once I was blind, but now I can see:
The Light of the world is Jesus!

No darkness have we who in Jesus abide;
The Light of the world is Jesus!
We walk in the light when we follow our Guide!
The Light of the world is Jesus!

Ye dwellers in darkness with sin-blinded eyes,
The Light of the world is Jesus!
Go, wash at His bidding, and light will arise;
The Light of the world is Jesus!

No need of the sunlight in Heaven we’re told;
The Light of the world is Jesus!
The Lamb is the Light in the city of gold,
The Light of the world is Jesus![i]

Why not come to the Light?

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

Donna