Jesus spoke to the people once more and said, “I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.”
–John 8:12 (NLT)

A few years ago, I heard this inspiring little Christmas story. There was once a Christmas party which included a concert put on by some local schoolchildren. One of their songs was called “Christmas Love”.

As the song progressed, each of the kids held up a sign with a letter on it, assigning a word to each letter (“C is for Christmas, H is for happy”, etc). The letters were meant to spell “Christmas Love”, but the little girl with the letter M was holding her sign upside down. Once all the signs had been held up, the completed message read, “Christ was Love”. It is said that for a few moments, a reflective hush fell over the crowd as people remembered the true reason for the Christmas season.

We Christians believe that Jesus Christ was, and still is, a purveyor of pure and unconditional love. The Christmas season is such a wonderful and love-filled time of year because it symbolizes the birth of true love and salvation.

One of my favorite parts of Christmas has been the candlelight church service on Christmas Eve. During the closing song, “Silent Night”, everyone gets to hold up a lighted candle as they sing.

You may be asking what a blind person could take away from holding up a lit candle. I really enjoy the sense of community that is felt all through the church, since everyone is enjoying candlelight and singing the same song together. But most of all, I love those moments when the heat of the candle flame touches my face when I least expect it. These moments always fill me with so much love and comfort.

It’s great to feel a little gentle heat after a few cool moments. I believe Jesus’ love is somewhat like that. He will always be waiting for you, like an eternal candle flame, and just when you feel alone and unloved, his reassuring and loving presence will touch you if you pray to him.

If you would like to experience the rebirth of love in your own life, and you don’t yet know Jesus Christ, I suggest that you say this prayer, making sure that you mean it with all your heart: “God, I know that I am a sinner, and so I ask that you forgive all of my sins. I accept the love and grace of your son Jesus Christ, and I now give him permission to take control of my life so that I may become more like him. Thank you for your forgiveness, and for your loving presence. In Jesus’ name, amen.”

This week, I hope that Jesus’ example will inspire a rebirth of peace and love in your own life. I hope you have tried to do some cheerful giving this season, both physically and spiritually. Finally, Chaplain Tim and I would like to wish you a very merry Christmas full of joy and love, as well as a very happy new year!

Thank you for reading this, and may the Lord give you a wonderful week! We are trying to reach people who are hurting, so if God lays it on your heart, please consider becoming a partner with us. If you would like to make a donation, please send it to HCMA (Healthcare Chaplains Ministry Association). Our ID number is 560. The address is 377 E. Chapman Ave., Suite 260, Placentia, CA 92870.

To find out more about HCMA, visit them at www.hcmachaplains.org.

If you have questions, comments or prayer requests for Timothy or Stephanie Burdick, please call 641-715-3900, ext. 874157.