It's Beginning To Look A lot Like Christmas... A Little?

(From Dec. 18, 2010)

Last night I chauffeured some friends into the city. We were in search of Christmas lights. This is a tradition that usually helps to put you in the "spirit" during this time of year.

Having lived in the DC area all my life, I've learned where the really good spots are. There are some incredible tucked-away neighborhoods--far and away from the monuments--that have been known to draw crowds of gawking light-seekers every year.

So we cruised the curvy stretch through Rock Creek, looped up onto Connecticut into Woodley, passed the Zoo, cut over to Wisconsin near the Cathedral, drove through Tenleytown over toward American U and down into the Rockwood neighborhood. (Yes, you can be impressed with my knowledge of upper NW). Strange thing though. Coursing through these established neighborhoods, we were quickly aware that there were practically no Christmas lights this year. Sure, we saw a few wreaths and there was a decent offering of decorated trees in bay windows. But the relatively few homes that actually donned lights on the outside stuck out amidst a sea of dark streets. And many of these displays were tacky at best, looking as if they were just thrown up. Pun intended.

Needless to say we were quite surprised at the sadly lackluster showing of Christmas cheer in our Nation's Capital. We chalked it up to the recession. Tough times seem to suck the seasonal cheer out of folk--at least to the point of cutting back or cutting the decorations altogether.

Of course, as believers we know that true Christmas spirit is not based on the economy. Real joy comes from knowing Jesus. And it's not a seasonal thing. It's joy that the Bible calls "unspeakable" and "neverending." And it's a joy that should be on display for all to see.

Have you ever been guilty of not shining during tough times? I have. Have circumstances, situations, or relationships persuaded you to keep your spiritual lights tucked away in the basement? God help us! It's during the difficult and dark times that we most need light!!! Not just for the benefit of those watching, but for ourselves as well, for we too need to be reminded that with Jesus, there's gonna be a brighter day.

Be encouraged. No matter how bad it gets, you will always have that Light within. The world didn't give it, and the world can't take it away. So show off your Light and let everybody know that Jesus is never in short supply.

Merry Christmas!