LIGHT OF LIFE
03rd Dec 2025
At the beginning of Advent each year, we hang a Herrnhut Star outside our house. We were given this many years ago, when I was leading a retreat for a Lutheran Sisterhood in Schoenebeck, in East Germany, as it was then.
We are proclaiming and celebrating the arrival of Jesus into the world, who is the Light of the World. But what do we expect to occur this Christmas season? So much time, money, and energy are invested in making this season special.
As I placed the star in its usual spot for another year, I found myself asking, “How many people have I impacted with the message of Christmas over the past years?” “We have elaborate Christmas services, but does it change anyone’s life?”
I then recalled a Christmas Day service in Sussex many years ago when we were part of the ministry led by Colin Urquhart. The entire community, along with various friends, gathered to enjoy our traditional Christmas Day service. We sang a few carols, and then Colin began delivering the message for the day. I remember feeling a little irritated because he seemed to be speaking for too long.
His message was a strong challenge to everyone regarding personal faith in Jesus. It was a direct evangelistic word which led into a time when people were being challenged to respond. As Colin led in prayer, one of the older parents of a family who were linked to the fellowship indicated that he wanted to give his life to Jesus.
I sat there, ashamed of my earlier reaction. The Light of the World had entered his life and transformed him into a new man.
In John 8:12 Jesus says, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”
I am challenged. How much light am I spreading? Is it bringing transformation to those I meet? Or am I simply hanging up decorations around my house without expecting it to impact anyone with the Light of Jesus?
by Charles Sibthorpe
