Maybe you would agree with me if I said how the world seems to be a darker place. You watch the news and see so much negativity happening in the world. You scroll through social media to find hurtful words being thrown at people from strangers they have never seen. Or probably you’re dealing with some form of darkness yourself; a gloomy cloud of insecurities, pressure, and family issues that are constantly hovering above your head.

With all of this in the way, it’s possible for us to forget that Christmas is just around the corner. But the good news is there are two reasons why you can still celebrate Christmas no matter what you’re dealing with.

1. Jesus came as the light of the world.

The truth is, the world didn’t just become a dark place recently; it’s been dark since sin entered it. The very reason why Jesus came was to shed light into this fallen world. Jesus as the light of the world means that there’s no other light than Him.

Just as He came as the pure and constant light to everything in the world, including us, let’s allow Him to shine first in the darkest corners of our own personal lives. When the darkness of shame, condemnation, insecurity, or hurt take over, let’s shine the light of God’s truth as we declare who we are in Him.

But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.

1 Peter 2:9

We are chosen, hand picked, cleansed, and made new. No matter how dark and cold your world may be, let this be a reminder and security that it was God who called us to bask in the warmth of His light and pass on this torch, too.

2. We are called to reflect His light to the world.

God has poured out His light on us so that we could also bring light to wherever He places us. This means that we are the light to our families, neighborhoods, classmates, and friends.

In a time where it feels like there’s just so much hate going around, let’s commit to brighten up someone’s day. Just like how Christmas lights bring excitement and awe to a kid’s face, let’s be that to others.

It can be as simple as a text message to a friend you haven’t talked to for a long time, or a spaghetti package for the manong guard in your subdivision. Or try initiating a prayer time before your class’ Christmas party, or leading your family in sharing what they’re most thankful to God for as this year draws to a close.

It doesn’t have to be grand or expensive. A light is still a light, just like how a cell phone screen (even at minimum brightness) can give off a blinding light in the darkness.

As we commit to being lights to others this season, may we always point back the glory to the source of light Himself, Jesus Christ. I pray that in the midst of the hustle and bustle of Christmas shopping, family reunions, and Noche Buena, may we not forget that this season is the best opportunity to reflect His light in every way we can.

As a child of God, you are the light of this world. And sometimes, though you might not realize it, you are the only light of Jesus that someone else will ever see.