How are your "Christmas lights?"

Observed the Christmas lights last night. Amazed at how much time and effort people put into their seasonal displays. Inspiring! Got me thinking about the original "Christmas light" that John writes about: Jesus Christ: "The Word gave life to everything that was created, and his life brought light to everyone." (John 1:4) Thinking about the challenge Jesus gives us: "Let me tell you why you are here. You're here to be salt-seasoning that brings out the God-flavors of this earth. If you lose your saltiness, how will people taste godliness? You've lost your usefulness and will end up in the garbage. Here's another way to put it: You're here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We're going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you don't think I'm going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I'm putting you on a light stand. Now that I've put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand—shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you'll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heave." (Matthew 5:13-16, The Message) How are your "Christmas lights"? Has Jesus illuminated your heart with His Truth? In what ways do you radiate Jesus to others? In your speech? Your actions? Your attitude? Is "Christ in you" visible? How visible? Often Jesus takes a back seat to our busy seasonal activities, obscured by our preoccupations and busy-ness. May I suggest a "light check" this week. Take some time to reflect on the ways in which Jesus is made visible through you, and what you can do to radiate his love, truth, and ethics more clearly to others.