The Christmas Light
- Jenny Crum
- Dec 25, 2025
- 5 min read
I watched my dad unlatch the tail gate of his 76’ candy apple red Chevrolet. My sisters and friends and I climbed in the bed of the truck bundled in our warmest gear. Dad hopped in the front to drive, while whistling his favorite Christmas tune. Mom had a thermos of cocoa ready to pour. The wood that lined the bed was cold, so we spread out sleeping blankets and cuddled up under comforters. I leaned up against my older sister making sure my head could swivel to see every house we passed.
The truck moved forward slowly, and my dad cranked up the tunes. The lights glittered on all sides. We laughed as we pointed to our favorites, continuing the never-ending debate of which were better, white or colored lights. We ranked our favorites 1-10 with high marks for tall trees with every limb wrapped. I imagined the acrobatic feats of the person that had to climb the gigantic oak trees to fill each branch. I wondered how the lights got up so high to line the roofs of the two-story houses. It was an over stimulation of sparkling lights and wonder, and I soaked up every second.
***
I was barely old enough to be trusted with a candle, but everyone was handed one upon entering the sanctuary. My family climbed the mezzanine to the left as we did every Sunday. I held the candle in my warm hand all service attempting to remold it into a candy cane shape. My dad’s hand was so much bigger than mine he could twist it into cool shapes. My impatience usually meant I would break it at the bottom. Dad would switch candles with me giving me a perfect wax handle. I’d distractedly listen as best I could to the Christmas eve service but as soon as the pastor lit the first candle, I was laser focused on the effect of the light. The house lights would dim, and I would watch as little flames spread from person to person. Soon the whole room was alight with warm candlelight. I’d sing Silent Night with hundreds of people, my eyes darting from my melting candle to the room. Like glittering stars, the candlelight danced in front of each worshiping face. My favorite part was lifting the candle high above my head, and seeing the congregation do the same. The light drew me in, my eyes not feeling wide enough to hold all the beauty.
What is it about lights that draw our eye? The contrast to the darkness? The illumination of the details? The wonder of the lights of Christmas is just a spark compared to the beauty of Christ. He draws us in, fills us with astonishment. Israel was waiting for the light, the Scriptures say Jesus is the light.
Read through these scriptures that tells us about the Light and journal your thoughts about Christ as the light.
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. He came as a witness, to bear witness about the light, that all might believe through him. He was not the light, but came to bear witness about the light. The true light, which gives light to everyone, was coming into the world.”
John 1:1-9 ESV
The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shone. You have multiplied the nation; you have increased its joy; they rejoice before you as with joy at the harvest, as they are glad when they divide the spoil. For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.”
Isaiah 9:2-3, 6-7 ESV
“Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.””
John 8:12 ESV
“So Jesus said to them, “The light is among you for a little while longer. Walk while you have the light, lest darkness overtake you. The one who walks in the darkness does not know where he is going. While you have the light, believe in the light, that you may become sons of light.” When Jesus had said these things, he departed and hid himself from them.”
John 12:35-36 ESV
“Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. Therefore do not become partners with them; for at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light (for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true), and try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord.”
Ephesians 5:6-10 ESV
““You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.”
Matthew 5:14-16 ESV
““The land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, the way of the sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles— the people dwelling in darkness have seen a great light, and for those dwelling in the region and shadow of death, on them a light has dawned.” From that time Jesus began to preach, saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.””
Matthew 4:15-17 ESV
TGP Journal Questions:
What Scripture stands out to you? Rewrite it in your journal.
What are your favorite memories of Christmas lights?
Write about a time when Christ was the light in your life? When were you walking in the dark? Have you stepped into the light, making Christ the light of your life or are you still walking in darkness?
Write a prayer thanking God for coming to illuminate our darkness at Christmas.
