Throughout the Christmas season, our focus has been on light and it’s symbolism for all that Jesus did in overcoming darkness for us.

The question for us today is: How will you respond to the light?

Light played a critical role in the account of two Christmas-related stories, particularly involving “outsiders” (they were not religious leaders or even devoted Jews):
-An angel appeared to shepherds and the glory of the Lord “shone” around them. The primary description we have of this angel involves light – so bright that they were afraid.
-Magi “from the east” followed a light in the sky that moved along with them until the light settled on the place where Jesus was.
-In both stories we see an answer to the question: “How will you respond to the light?”

A promise (of joy)
-Jesus is the fulfillment of the promise of God and a continual promise that the light will overcome the darkness, no matter what is to come.
-Joy is evident in these stories because the light of Jesus represented hope for all people.

"But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord."
Luke 2:10-11

"When they saw the star, they were overjoyed."
Matthew 2:10

A call (to pursue)
-Seeing the promise of God is not enough. Ultimately, it requires a response.
-The shepherds and the magi made a choice not just to observe the light, but to pursue it.

"When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.” So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger."
Luke 2:15-16

"When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh."
Matthew 2:10-11