Heather has been writing the blog entries up to this point, but I (Robert) felt led to write one.

Last week, we all went to witness the annual tree lighting ceremony here in Cedar Park.  For the last 12 years, the city has installed over 50,000 lights on the largest live oak in the city for the holidays.  There were games for the kids, carriage rides, city dignitary speeches, a burning yule log and a very popular line to see Santa.

After a countdown, the 50,000 lights were turned on, illuminating the tree, piercing the darkness and shedding light on all of the people who came to witness the ceremony.  All of those lights made me think of the words of a Chris Tomlin song…

Light of the world
You stepped down into darkness.
Opened my eyes, let me see.
Beauty that made this heart adore You
Hope of a life spent with You

In John 12:46, Jesus said, “I have come as Light into the world, so that everyone who believes in Me will not remain in darkness.” Jesus is the illuminating victory over the darkness of death, partnering with God in writing the end of the story and giving us hope.

As you approach this Christmas season, busily decorating, hosting, going to parties, traveling, spending time with family and navigating all of the frenzy, I ask that you see those seasonal lights as a reminder of the Light of the world.  I pray that the lights remind you to bask in the Light, rest in the Light, share the Light and be the light.

You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house.  Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven. Matt 5:14-16