This is the season of lights. Interesting for those of us in the northern hemisphere, it comes at a time when there is the least amount of sunlight during a day. For Jews, it is the time to celebrate Hanukah, the festival of lights. Hanukah is a remembrance of the miracle of the oil when one day’s worth of oil burned for eight days which was enough time to purify more oil for the lamp.

Many people will decorate their homes with strings of lights. White lights, colored lights or a combination all depends on your preference or maybe the regulations of your homeowners’ association. Some twinkle and some are steady. Some areas even have contests for the best decorations. Personally, the MOST lights do not always mean the BEST display. Maybe it’s that with all those lights, there’s too much for my eyes and brain to take in at one time. It’s overload. For some, cruising the neighborhood to look at Christmas decorations has become a family event. One of the memories I have from childhood was going to Philadelphia to see the light show at the Wanamaker store (now Macy’s). Accompanied by music from the Wanamaker organ, this 4-story light show is a Philadelphia tradition since 1955. I’m planning to go again this year.

Whether checking out the neighborhood lights, enjoying the light of a fire or watching the twinkling lights on your Christmas tree, remember the great light seen by the people walking in darkness (see Isaiah 9:2) ~ Jesus, the Light of the world! Does His light shine in your life?

Now there’s something to smile about!