Beginning in the 1500s, lamps were placed on city sidewalks and intersections so that evening shoppers and workers could safely see where they were going. People were accustomed to seeing the lamplighter near dusk, walking from lamppost to lamppost with his wick on a long pole, lighting each lamp. At other times, he would carry a wooden ladder over his shoulder and climb up the lampposts to replenish the oil, change the candle, or replace the mantle. The lamplighter was seen as dependable and reliable.

John 8:12 – When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." (NIV)

Spiritually, Jesus is our lamplighter. How blessed we are that He shares His light with us. Without Him, we are wrapped in the darkness of sin, our worst traits, hopelessness, and living our life alone without spiritual support. When we repent from sin and accept Christ as our Saviour, we become children of God. We are forgiven, cleansed, and spiritually healed from sin. He equips us with the Holy Spirit, who illuminates our understanding. He teaches us His ways, His truths, and how to live life to please God the Father. His light brightens every nook and cranny of our mind, spirit, and soul, and we become lights for the world. Is your light shining?

Matthew 5:16 – Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven. (NIV)

For me, the cozy, late-fall rains signal a special time of joy, tenderness, and hope of the Christmas season when we celebrate the birth of Jesus. Speaking of His birth, the apostle John begins his gospel by writing, "The true light that gives light to every man was coming into the world." (John 1:9 NIV) The entry of Jesus Christ and His subsequent works in our lives makes me celebrate Christmas continuously in my heart. Even for someone who falls away for a time, Christ the lamplighter can come to light the way home. We are called to worship His holy name, sing songs of praise, share the light of Christ, and point others to Him so that they can repent and believe.

There has been much talk lately that because of the COVID-19 pandemic, we should cancel Christmas. From a Christian's perspective that is impossible. We celebrate Christmas because His birth, life, death, and rising again is the reason that we have His light with us in this darkened world.

Years ago, a friend gave me a card that read: "God gave you life. Your gift to Him is what you do with it." We can assess our days to see if we are pointing the way to Christ to others while shining our love light from Him onto them, to the honour and glory of God.

Prayer: Dear Father, thank You for sending Christ to the world. He is the light of our salvation, the light that will never burn out. Enable us to follow Him faithfully. Amen.

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About the author:

Karen Milam <karenbmilam@gmail.com>
Penn Valley, California, USA
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