Illuminate Jesus!

Because both my husband and my son have been working extra-long hours this year, we chose not to extensively decorate the outside of the house. In the upper windows are some simple lighted candles and our Christmas tree shimmers through a living room window. Standing in the center, front of the yard is our specially crafted nativity scene illuminated by a spotlight. To either side of the scene stand lighted angels holding a trumpet to herald the birth of the baby that would change the world forever.

Hanging all of the lights along the eaves takes more time than was practical. Missing also are the string of candy canes and giant candy cane arch that have previously illuminated the front of our home. With the limited amount of time that we allotted to decorating, we chose to display the nativity alone in the yard. As you drive up to the house, everything seems relatively ordinary except for that 6-foot patch that shines a light on the birth of Jesus.

In many ways our yard more accurately represents Christmas this year. On that night more than 2000 years ago, nothing spectacular was happening in Bethlehem. In the stable where Mary gave birth, animals were feeding and sleeping when the baby arrived. And though Jesus came to an ordinary stable in an ordinary town, everything changed that night! A new light had entered the world. In the form of the baby, the light that would lead us to our Heavenly Father began to shine. Jesus, the Messiah, was born to open the door for man to enter heaven and dwell with God. Angels announced the birth to only a few shepherds, while the rest of the world slept or went about their usual activities.

Things are much the same today. Against the backdrop of our seemingly ordinary lives, Jesus enters in a rather unassuming manner and drastically changes us. It becomes our responsibility to make this known to those around us. “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do men light a lamp and put it under a peck measure, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. Let your light so shine before men that they may see your moral excellence and your praiseworthy, noble, and good deeds and recognize and honor and praise and glorify your Father Who is in heaven.” (Matthew 5:14-16 AMP) We are to be like the spotlight that is focused on the nativity scene in my front yard. We are to point all attention, with both our actions and our words, to our Savior. “But in your hearts set Christ apart as holy [and acknowledge Him] as Lord. Always be ready to give a logical defense to anyone who asks you to account for the hope that is in you, but do it courteously and respectfully.” (1 Peter 3:15 AMP)

Coming quietly into the ordinariness of our lives, Jesus transforms us. “Therefore if any person is [ingrafted] in Christ (the Messiah) he is a new creation (a new creature altogether); the old [previous moral and spiritual condition] has passed away. Behold, the fresh and new has come!” (2 Corinthians 5:17 AMP) The appearance of our lives may not drastically change. We will still go about working and playing, loving and laughing, and living day-to-day. Yet inside a complete makeover is occurring and people will notice. The spotlight must remain upon Jesus who is transforming us. “And all of us, as with unveiled face, [because we] continued to behold [in the Word of God] as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are constantly being transfigured into His very own image in ever increasing splendor and from one degree of glory to another; [for this comes] from the Lord [Who is] the Spirit.” (2 Corinthians 3:18 AMP) As we reflect more of His image, we brighten the spotlight on Jesus.

People frequently pass by and observe our ordinary, daily lives. What do they see? Is there a lot of the glitz and glamour of superficial good works and rituals? Do they see lives that look just like everyone else? Or do they find ordinary people, with good points and flaws, seeking to do well and lead others to know the perfect Jesus Christ? We should be people who have fun and work hard; laugh and cry and trust their God. “And whatever you do [no matter what it is] in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus and in [dependence upon] His Person, giving praise to God the Father through Him.” (Colossians 3:17 AMP)

As you celebrate this Christmas season, and every other season of life, be sure to shine a spotlight on Jesus. Let others know that He comes to ordinary people and makes an ongoing, glorious change.