We had been flying in darkness for hours, but then the city lights began to emerge. I thought we would soon be getting ready for landing, but something unexpected happened. What started as just a few lights here and there, grew into an immense glowing sea as we flew over Quito with all it’s mountains and valleys. I thought it was contained to just the first valley we went over, but we continued to fly over two or three more mountains upon which the city continued to sprawl. I was enamored by the extent of this light shining from this city in the hills, I had never seen anything quite so widespread. Eventually, anywhere I looked—even far off in the distance—all I could see were many lights shining.  

Jesus says in Matthew 5:14-16, “You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.”  

We have this light because of Christ-the light of the world! Isaiah 9 foretells the coming of the Christ child in saying, “The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death, a light has dawned.”

I don’t know about you, but I dream of a world where all we can see in every direction are many lights shining because of of our Saviour.

May Jesus, the light of our lives, shine through you to others this season.

Merry Christmas from all of us at Connecting Streams!