Friday, December 6, 2002
Friday, December 6, 2002
Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows
me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life."
Talk about personalizing the Christmas story. Some little
fellow named Leon passing by that home that night would have been
delighted to see his name in lights.
We dare not forget that the story of the babe in the
manger is ultimately a very personal story. That's why it claims
a very special place in our hearts. We sense the love of that
young family. We know what it is like to be shut out--to see the
sign flashing, "No Room!" There is something very appealing about
those unsophisticated shepherds kneeling before his crib and
something very regal about the three wise men from the East who
bear him gifts. Thus we begin once again the pilgrimage to
Bethlehem, for we too have seen his star. He is the light of the
world. He is the one who lightens up our lives.
(John 8.12
NRSV)
Jo Carr and Donna Cash tell an amusing story of a family
out in Texas which had the custom of putting large plywood
letters bordered with Christmas tree lights on their roof each
year. The letters spelled out the word "NOEL!" But one year the
father, who usually did the job, had been especially busy. It
was almost mid-December, and he had not yet put up the word
"NOEL." The family had been after him to get it done, for the
letters were big and clumsy, and only he could manage them. So
he decided one Saturday that he would get it done that day,
regardless. Well, that day was a windy day, and the struggle was
great. He fought the West Texas wind and muttered some rather
unChristmasy comments under his breath as he wrestled the
gigantic plywood letters up onto the roof. It was nearly dark
when he finished, and he clambered down the ladder triumphantly
to tell the kids to plug in the lights. They did, and the letters
blazed forth against the darkening sky the name, "LEON!"
Lord Jesus, as your light has brighten up my life, may I share it with joy. Amen.
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