Christmas lights are everywhere. In fact, they started to market them way back in August as the end of summer triggered the start of the holiday season. The call for making a buck can be annoying, but Christmas is something that should be prepared for through the Advent season. It should really carry through the entire year, but as soon as the trappings of the season are packed away, we begin to make way for the next big holiday.

I used to decorate my house, inside and out with lights, wreaths, candles, brightly colored ribbons, stockings hung by the fireplace. When the season ended, everything was boxed up and stored away for another year. Now that I’m an octogenarian, it’s become quite a chore to deck the halls with anything. I now leave the few I display up all year, so I don’t have to search for them again next year. Age has a way of sneaking up on us. The things we once put so much importance on, is no longer worth the struggle. However . . . . . there is nothing like Christmas.

There are lights all over the city. Streets are lined with them. The rays that exude from them, warm the heart and turn our thoughts to the true light of the world. This light of Jesus shouldn’t just be apparent once a year. It should stay lit every day of our existence.

Well, I caved. After giving most of my Christmas decorations away, I went to Hobby Lobby for some new stuff. It lifted my heart to put something outside again. What has become a difficult task for me, needed to be regenerated. Just like our hearts need to be ignited daily with the Light of the World.

Children stare in wonder at the ornaments and lights
Each sparkle puts a twinkle in their eyes.
The cookies in the oven, the tantalizing bites,
The gifts of Christmas come in every size.

The special clothes and widened smiles are evidence complete,
That something extra special waits right there,
Beneath the tree of balsam in a box wrapped oh so sweet.
It’s Christmas and the perfect time to share.

As children sing their songs to God in heaven up above,
Let’s take the time to ponder what it means.
That on that day of Jesus birth our greatest gift was love,
A love that takes our sins away and cleans.

And so, we join their voices and with a childlike trust.
We thank our Savior for His perfect life,
He’s dulled death’s sting and stomped it in the dust.
With Him we now can tolerate all strife.

Kathy Boecher©