Christmas is a time for remembering and for sharing the joy of times spent together. This morning I will tell you another grandchild story.
Our youngest grandson was just over a year old when his mom and dad came to visit us in Rio Rico. Dave and our son-in-law went out to the desert for an afternoon of shooting while our daughter, grandson and I went to Tubac, an artisan community, to shop.
Every shop we went in was fascinating to Sam. He is so taken with Christmas lights, and he wasn’t disappointed as we went from store to store. He would stare at the pierced metal stars that hung from the ceilings and he loved the “balls” so big and brightly colored. Most of the time I carried him, so his mom was free to look through each shop. We laughed and giggled, and the love and excitement Sam felt. It worked its way into the hearts of the shop keepers and shoppers.
Christmas through the eyes of children. The wonderful, the excitement, the joy!
When I was in high school choir we sang a song, “Christmas Was Meant for Children”, made popular by Sandi Patty
“Christmas was meant for children
Children like you and me
With mistletoe and holly
And toys upon the tree
The stockings by the chimney
And hearts so full of joy
Old Santa’s riding through the snow
For every gift and boy
So ring out the bells from the steeple
For the world in its mantle of white
Let the star in the East that lead us
Shine on your tree tonight
Always remember the infant
Away in a manger to see
For Christmas was made in heaven
For children like you and me
Those stars that captured Sam’s attention were a representation of the bright and shining star that led the wisemen to the Christ child. We place lights on our trees and outside our homes to give the warm glow of joy and love to all who pass by.
Our lives should be lights of love, joy and peace that will attract others to finding Christ. Jesus is our example of a life filled with light.
“Later, Jesus talked to the people again. He said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never live in darkness. They will have the light that gives life.” John 8:12 ERV
And then He gave us a command to be light.
“People don’t hide a lamp under a bowl. They put it on a lampstand. Then the light shines for everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, you should be a light for other people. Live so that they will see the good things you do and praise your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:15-16 ERV
Let’s wipe the dust off our bulbs, trim the wick in our lamp, and shine. Shine with Jesus for all the world to see!