The lights on my pre-lit tree are slowly going out. Light by light. String by string. When I first put it up this year, there was one section out. I placed two strings of lights in that area to make it look better. But then, each day as I turn it on, there was yet another section of the tree that was not illuminated.

When we built our home, there was a perfect nook for a Christmas tree. I was excited the first year when we placed our tree in that perfect place. However, it was far too wide at the base and it was far too short for the 17 foot ceiling, so I was disappointed.

We found our current tree to be a perfect fit for this area. It was narrower at the base and much taller. It was just right. Now that the lights are dimming, I’m wondering if I will ever find another tree to fit this area as well.

I wonder if it isn’t this same way with our lives. We find that we cannot find our way until we allow Jesus into our hearts. Isaiah announced, “The people walking in darkness have seen a great light.” (Isaiah 9:2a – NIV) Without light, we are lost. And once He arrives, we shine brightly and stand tall and proclaim that we belong to Him.

But then, slowly that enthusiasm dies. Bit by bit, the light we proudly illuminated becomes dimmer to the world until there are whole areas of our lives where others never see Jesus through us.

For me, it seems to be the grocery store. I used to enjoy shopping, but now I just want to get it done. I rarely smile while I’m pushing that cart around. I rarely interact with others. I am there for one purpose only. To get my shopping done.

But what if Jesus’ light were to show up in that area of my life? It might just make a difference in someone’s life and I might enjoy shopping again!

Jesus proclaimed in Matthew 5 that we are a light. “You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:14-16 – NIV)

When we have Jesus’ light within us, others must see the Light through us. We are not called to hide it. We are called to shine!

So we must ask ourselves, “How am I doing with this light thing?” “Do my neighbors see the light or is that an area of the “Christmas tree” that isn’t lit?” “What other areas of my life needs a boost from a ‘light zapper’ to jump start the light?”

Obviously it’s easy to let our light shine at church with church people. But then we must ask ourselves, “Is it genuine?” “Is it Jesus’ light that is shining or my own?”

If your light is dimly shining or perhaps has gone out, isn’t it time to ask the Father of Lights to join you on this journey and restore His Light within you? Isn’t it time for Jesus, the Light of the world, to illuminate through you?

I don’t know what the outcome of this tree will be. But I do know what I need to do in my life to allow Jesus’ light to shine through me. And today, that is exactly what I plan to do!

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

Donna