Christmas is a time of celebration! We decorate our homes and offices; we have Christmas parties with friends and families; we eat delicious food (for many of us, too much delicious food); and we give gifts to show others our love. In our household, Commissioner Dawn and I love decorating our house and listening to Christmas music as early as possible. I usually have to hold her back from decorating the house before November 1, and she has to hold me back from listening to Christmas music before September 1. We just love celebrating Christmas!

One of the most meaningful ways that we celebrate Christmas is by displaying Christmas ornaments from all the countries where we have served or visited over the years along with nativity sets from each of these countries. These are visible reminders to us of the wonderful people from each of the countries who have touched our lives and with whom we have had the privilege of serving and ministering with throughout our officership.

In Luke 2:8–14 (NIV) we read the following account of that first Christmas celebration:

And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

These verses remind us of why we celebrate Christmas each year: to remember and honor the birth of our Savior and Messiah, Jesus Christ. The angel said that this good news would bring joy for everyone because Jesus came into the world to bring hope and salvation for everyone. But delivering the message of this good news depends on us. We are called to share this good news with everyone we meet so that they too can join in this celebration.

In our world today, we are confronted with reports of wars, violence and death, which can create a sense of darkness and weigh down our souls. Yet, during this season of Christmas, we are reminded in Isaiah 9:2 (NIV) that, “The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned.”

The light which came into our world was the light of Jesus Christ, who came to bring light to those living in darkness. Isaiah goes on to describe in verse 6 the full extent of this light where he says, “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”

As we celebrate this Christmas season, I pray that we will bring the light of Christ into our world right where God has placed us. Light is not meant to be hidden, so we should be bold in sharing the good news of the gospel with those around us that they might experience the light of God despite the darkness that surrounds them.

Chick Yuill wrote a song, “The Light Has Come,” which says,

Wonderful Counsellor,

mighty God among us,

Everlasting Father,

Prince who rules in peace;

To us a Child is born, to us a Son is giv’n.

To those who walked in darkness

The Light has come.

Son of God, Son of Man,

Word of God incarnate,

Suffering Saviour, glorious risen Lord;

For God so loved the world,

He gave His only Son;

No more we walk in darkness — 

The Light has come.

King of kings, Lord of lords,

Son of God exalted,

Name above ev’ry name,

Lamb upon the throne;

This King will come again,

the Father’s only Son;

No more a world in darkness —

The Light will come.

Throughout this Christmas season, join with me in proclaiming to the world that we no longer need to live in darkness because “the Light has come!” As you celebrate Christmas this year, Commissioner Dawn and I hope that you will experience the light of Christmas in your lives and share that light with those around you during your family celebrations. 

However, while it’s always great to spend time with family and friends during the Christmas season, let’s not forget to also share our celebration with those less fortunate than us. Let’s share with them the hope and joy of Christmas both with tangible gifts of assistance but also with the good news of the gospel! Let’s find practical ways to demonstrate God’s love to those in our communities who need to experience the light of Christmas this year. Select some angels from one of our Angel Trees and brighten the life of a child through your gift on Christmas day, volunteer to help with a toy distribution or Christmas meal, provide a financial donation to help ensure that every family has an opportunity to celebrate a Christmas meal together, or invite someone who has no family close by to join yours for Christmas dinner. These are just a few ways we can spread the light of Christmas throughout the Christmas season.

As you celebrate Christmas this year, Commissioner Dawn and I hope that you will experience the joy of Christmas in your lives, the joy that comes from knowing Jesus as your personal Savior and allowing Him to fill your lives with His love each and every day of the year. May God bless each of you as you celebrate this year.