Christmas Lights Revisited

By Doug Wigginton

December 21, 2025

"The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world. He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him.” (John 1: 9-11)

For many, and for many who would not dare to admit it, Christmas and all its symbols become a challenging and confusing time. Why is that, you ask? You see, Christmas, with its bright and shining lights, illuminates not only the goodness of Christmas but also significant losses in our lives, especially those that remain unresolved or are unsolvable. Although our faith has taught us that by design, light is meant to illuminate the path we travel, it also reveals what we do not want to see. What will happen to us, we ask, if we were to come face to face with our pain, anger, disappointment, and despair? Will we re-experience deep-seated feelings we would rather not think about? Only to make things worse, we believe that talking about it will only make things worse (which it can and sometimes does). And what will happen if our anger is at God? What do we do at times like these? The answer of old, which is still true today, is that we will attempt to put out the light. And we will take just about any measure necessary to do so. Please keep in mind that we do this in vain and at our own peril.

Although many have tried, the light cannot be extinguished. Nor is it a light we can hide from. For a light in the darkness does not go unnoticed. Even when we don’t always understand, it is a light we should not attempt to extinguish, for it serves a purpose. Letting go of our fears, lowering our guard, and learning to trust again is risky but necessary. So it goes without saying that allowing the Light to guide us into unknown territory is not for the faint of heart.

Light has a way of revealing more than we bargained for. The temptation to run from the Light should be resisted. After all, its purpose is to enlighten us and set us free from anything that keeps us from embracing it. Remember, when the Light, the glory of God, frightened the shepherds, “But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.” (Luke 2.10)

Whether we want the Light of Christmas to light our lives is not a choice we can make. The light is there, illuminating our lives and all that lies before us, whether we want it or not. The Light of Christmas, the true Light of Christmas, is there to guide, direct, comfort, and sometimes confront us. For some of us here today, that may mean revisiting the past, setting it aside, and making a new beginning. For others, the Light will allow us to see ourselves as we really are. For still others, it may mean that we are to be a light in the darkness of others. Either way, the message is clear: “Do not be afraid,” for the Light of Christmas is not here to humiliate or intimidate, but to illuminate the greatest gift of all.

"For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace" (Isaiah 9.6 KJV)

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If you’re craving a quieter way to hold this season, you’re welcome to join us for candlelight worship on December 24th at 5:00 PM at The Reformed Church, 106 North Chestnut Street, Scottdale. We’ll gather in the glow of candlelight and let the story speak for itself. 🕯️