This devotional reflects on Jesus Christ as the true light of Christmas.
He came into the world, yet many did not recognize Him.
Today, we remember His love and welcome Him as Lord in everyday life.
The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not understood it.
The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world.
He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him.
He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him.
Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.
John 1:5, 9–12
The Lord of Christmas
Jesus Christ, the Creator of this world and the Lord of all, came into the world.
Yet the people of that time did not recognize this truth.
And so they were unable to give Him the glory and worship that were rightfully His.
It is similar even now.
What We Must Remember in the Christmas Season
The most important truth we must remember during the Christmas season
is Jesus Christ, who came into this world.
Yet many people fail to offer the worship and gratitude
that should be given to Him.
It feels as though we are living in a time
when the most important event of Christmas is gradually being forgotten.
Remembering His Love, Letting It Flow Outward
My childhood felt very different from today.
Even before December arrived,
churches were already decorated with colorful lights
announcing the coming of Christmas.
In the streets,
carols that reminded us of the holy night—
such as Silent Night, Holy Night—were playing.
I also remember the Salvation Army charity kettles,
with bells ringing gently.
And on the morning of the 25th,
I remember walking through the neighborhood
holding candles and singing Christmas hymns.
Now, the atmosphere filling the streets feels very different from back then.
The songs rejoicing over the birth of baby Jesus have grown faint.
Christmas—
the day we worship and rejoice in Jesus Christ,
who came to this world for sinners.
A day to remember His love,
and to let that love flow outward.
Not only at Christmas,
but in our everyday lives,
I hope traces of becoming more like Him remain.
“God, thank You for sending Jesus Christ into this world.
We invite Him to be the Lord of our lives each day,
and we pray that You would rule over our lives.
Grant us the strength to remember the love and service we received from Jesus,
so that we too may serve and love others.
Fill our lives with praise and worship for Jesus who came into this world.
Shape us to become more like You.
We pray in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.”