Dec 07

Turn on the Light!

avatar Published in Untagged  by Pastor Mark
  Last Night Dee and I had a great privilege.  Some wonderful people in our church invited us to the National Christmas Tree lighting ceremony on the ellipse in DC. Although we have lived here for many years, we never had the opportunity to see this ceremony that has been going on for 84 years.  The President and First lady are present, and at a certain time theypress a button that illuminates the 40 foot Christmas tree decorated  with lights and ribbon for the nation to see that Christmas is just around the corner. It's a neat time.

So we bundled up and put on all the clothes that we could to try to stay warm for this great outdoor activity.  The Air Force Band Played and a group of high school students formed a madrigal choir singing songs of the season.  In addition there were also singers who tried there best to get the frozen throng who had gathered in the feeling of Christmas with singing songs ranging from Jingle Bell Rock to O Holy Night.

For me besides the fun of being there at the event two moments stood out. As the temperature slipped and the daylight turned to dusk, God was speaking. The first was when a 15 year old girl who has a wonderful voice sang "O Holy Night".  Just having her sing the words "A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices for yonder breaks a new and glorious morn brought great joy to my heart.  There is something awesome about hearing this song of praise and adoration to God sung in sight of the White House and knowing that although many of the people gathered may not have been believers or seekers, there is a powerful and special presence of truth on that Song.  It was also a great reminder to me of the fact that although there are groups within the United States who want to kick God out of everything in our society, they can not stop the truth of Jesus and the impact that He has made on our nation and our lives.

The second moment occurred as President Bush stepped to the podium and addressed the crowd.  Whatever you may think about him or the decisions and policies he has made, one thing is certain, he has an unwavering commitment to Jesus and is not afraid to tell others about it, even though it may not be popular.  The President talked of the birth in Bethlehem of the Savior of the World, God's gift of love for all people of all backgrounds and all ages.  He made such a strong statement of God's truth for a hurting world that Jesus is the Light of the World. I for one was moved and thankful.  Thankful to God for a President who is willing to make his faith in Christ public and moved that God in His grace can use a moment like that to affect others who were gathered by Television or in the audience with the truth that the Light of the World brings.  Jesus told us to let our lights shine before men, that they would glorify God.  On this day in December I am asking you to join me in allowing the Light of Jesus to shine during this Christmas celebration and beyond.  Look for opportunities to turn on the Light!