’Tis the season to walk around the neighborhood and look at all the Christmas decorations, particularly the light displays.I bundle up in coat, beanie, and gloves and take to the streets. I love it.
But I find that home “decorators” usually fall into one of three categories.
First, no lights. Some people call these individuals the bah-humbug group, but I beg to differ. Primarily because I fall into this group. No lights on the outside does not mean a lack of love for the season. I, like many, decorate the inside of my home and love doing it. It is all Christmas inside. I just don’t have the ability nor inclination to string lights on the outside, at least not in a tasteful manner. However most of us who fall into this category have a very nice wreath on the door, and if you look, you will see a warm and welcoming twinkle of lights coming through the window.
The second group of people are those who have tastefully decorated homes. This usually equates to a nice string of lights on the eaves and a few decorations on the lawn. Not too much. Not too little. All decorations blend nicely with each other.
The third group is what we might call the “Griswold” decorators. Not a square inch of lawn is free, not a socket without a plug, and often the overall effect can be bit garish. But most of us still stand completely amazed at the effort, enthusiasm, and financial expenditure that went into such a display. When an entire neighborhood or street works together, people flock from miles away to admire the sight. And if we can say one thing about this group of people, it is that their love of Christmas cannot be missed.
We, as Christians, are called to be the light of the world, and just as we should not judge people by how they display their Christmas lights, we should also not judge Christians by how they let their inner lights shine.
Some, like this last group, are on grand display for all to see. Their enthusiasm for their Savior’s love is in no way hidden. Some more “reserved” Christians might not be as comfortable with such an overt display, but still their light is visible through the love and grace they show to those around them through both word and action. And finally, there are some whose love of Jesus is emitted through a warm and peaceful glow. Come closer and one will be invited into the comfort of their heart.
Yes, we are asked to let our light shine so that the world can see God’s love, and as Christians, we should make sure our lights shine. But not all have to burn at the same intensity. We love the big lights of the city, but also the comfortable streetlights of the neighborhood, and even the peaceful candle in the window. All are welcomed displays of God’s love.
But I find that home “decorators” usually fall into one of three categories.
First, no lights. Some people call these individuals the bah-humbug group, but I beg to differ. Primarily because I fall into this group. No lights on the outside does not mean a lack of love for the season. I, like many, decorate the inside of my home and love doing it. It is all Christmas inside. I just don’t have the ability nor inclination to string lights on the outside, at least not in a tasteful manner. However most of us who fall into this category have a very nice wreath on the door, and if you look, you will see a warm and welcoming twinkle of lights coming through the window.
The second group of people are those who have tastefully decorated homes. This usually equates to a nice string of lights on the eaves and a few decorations on the lawn. Not too much. Not too little. All decorations blend nicely with each other.
The third group is what we might call the “Griswold” decorators. Not a square inch of lawn is free, not a socket without a plug, and often the overall effect can be bit garish. But most of us still stand completely amazed at the effort, enthusiasm, and financial expenditure that went into such a display. When an entire neighborhood or street works together, people flock from miles away to admire the sight. And if we can say one thing about this group of people, it is that their love of Christmas cannot be missed.
We, as Christians, are called to be the light of the world, and just as we should not judge people by how they display their Christmas lights, we should also not judge Christians by how they let their inner lights shine.
Some, like this last group, are on grand display for all to see. Their enthusiasm for their Savior’s love is in no way hidden. Some more “reserved” Christians might not be as comfortable with such an overt display, but still their light is visible through the love and grace they show to those around them through both word and action. And finally, there are some whose love of Jesus is emitted through a warm and peaceful glow. Come closer and one will be invited into the comfort of their heart.
Yes, we are asked to let our light shine so that the world can see God’s love, and as Christians, we should make sure our lights shine. But not all have to burn at the same intensity. We love the big lights of the city, but also the comfortable streetlights of the neighborhood, and even the peaceful candle in the window. All are welcomed displays of God’s love.
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