Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.
John 8:12
Every year growing up, it seemed, around the Christmas season, there would be a comment or whole sermons on the issue of Christmas lights and Christmas decorations and how they were not what Christmas was about. It was taught that all it offered was artificial light in a dark world. Christmas lights and decorations were forbidden in most families, it seemed. However, the exchange of gifts was widely accepted. We were taught those worldly things would divert our attention from the real reason for the season. Even though Christ coming to live and die for the sins of man is believed by most in that church historically, it seems very few have a saving knowledge of Christ.
I agree that the world has a very commercialized Christmas, and man, in his sin, finds any way possible to hide God in all things. But, my childhood church taught that not decorating for Christmas was a way to become more holy. They will again be the first to point out that there is nothing we can do to earn our salvation, but the overemphasis on the Law and the minimization or even total removal of the gospel in their preaching moves the congregant back into try to live a holy life so that one may one day hopefully be saved.
I dare say that the “light” they offer is artificial. A light that teaches us to follow the rules of the church, toe the line, wear those skirts and hats, tuck in those shirts, and then be a good boy or girl. Perhaps if you practice all this outward holiness, the Lord may be pleased to work in your heart. Again, I’m not saying there is anything inherently wrong with these lifestyle choices, but when you put your “hope” in outward Christian living, you are misplacing your faith.
Dear reader, put your faith in Christ! You do NOT have to reach a certain measure of holiness before coming to Christ. Come just as you are. Repent of your sins and believe in the Lord Jesus Christ. Put your hope and trust in Him! There is no one else. Why will you not go to Him? You say, “I feel unworthy, I feel too sinful, or I feel nothing at all.” “I don’t have a deep sense of my sin; I don’t feel bad enough.” Are you hoping for that Damascus Road conversion? Stop! Stop telling God your terms and conditions before you can come to Him! Let go of your pride and unbelief. Believe in Christ!
For those of you who still attend my former church, I leave you with a challenge: read the Gospel of John and then read the book of Romans. Take off your “church glasses” and read them like a little child. I hope you will see Christ's wonderful promises to sinners like you and me. I pray the Lord opens your eyes to see and your heart to understand.
I think I hear somebody say, “I wish I could see it.” Well, dear friend, I wish I could credit your candor. The light that streams from Christ is visible, but not to eyes that are shut, not to hearts that are hardened, not to consciences that are seared. “Open your eyes, it is all you have to do.” Look, sinner— look and live! All around you is the light of everlasting love. Do but open those poor eyes of yours that unbelief has kept closed so long. O Lord, open the sinner’s eyes that he may now see! The light is all around you, brother, the light is all around you. Others see it and rejoice. Only let your eyes be opened, and you shall hail the glorious orb which makes manifest all that is obscure and awful to your present apprehension. Have you seen the light? Is there one who says, “Well, thank God, I have seen that light”? Then, dear brother, be grateful and give thanks. We are, none of us, as thankful as we ought to be for the light that shines in the face of Jesus Christ.
C.H. Spurgeon - The Light of the World Sermon #3534