Every year, it happens like clockwork. Daylight saving time ends, and suddenly, the world feels a little darker – both literally and, if we’re honest, maybe even emotionally. But here’s the thing: As the days grow shorter each year, I find myself flipping the switch on our Christmas lights a little earlier. What starts as a simple effort to push back the darkness and keep it at bay, transforms into something much deeper. There’s something about the warm glow of Christmas lights that shifts the atmosphere.

It reminds me of the true Light who stepped into the world’s darkness. John writes, “In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it” (John 1:4-5).

As much as I love Christmas lights, their radiance pales in comparison to the light of Christ. His light doesn’t just decorate our lives; it transforms our lives. It exposes what’s hidden, brings warmth to what’s cold, and offers hope in what may feel hopeless.

As we head into another activity-filled holiday season, take a moment to pause. Turn on those Christmas lights a little earlier this year and let their glow remind you to slow down and focus on the Light of the World who came to dwell among us. No matter how dark the days may feel, the light of Christ always shines brighter.

So, flip the switch. Bask in the glow. And remember that darkness has lost and will never win, because the Light has already come.

– Mark