Previous Challenge Entry (Level 1 – Beginner)
Topic: Christmas Lights (10/30/08)
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TITLE: Precious Gems | Previous Challenge Entry
By CJ Raney
11/04/08 -
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Every Christmas Eve we would gather to read the Christmas story and turn the lights on the Christmas tree. I would get so excited as the time grew closer.
“Come on, everyone. It’s time!” I called out, barely able to sit still.
Dad sat in his old recliner and opened his worn leather Bible with tattered pages. He read the Christmas story from Matthew 1:18-25 to the family. After he finished the account of Jesus’ birth, he switched the lamp off. My sister and I could hardly contain our excitement as Mom got up from her cozy plaid armchair.
“Everyone look at the dark fir tree. See how black it looks with no lights. Black represents the sin in our lives. It’s dark and lonely.”
Mom hit the first switch for the lights. The whole room lit up as blazing red lights shone like rubies from the tree.
“These red lights represent the precious blood Jesus shed for us. Without the blood, we'd stay in that dark and lonely condition.”
Then she switched on the second set of lights. The tree was aglow with brilliant white lights that sparkled like diamonds.
“The white lights represent our hearts being clean after we accept Jesus as our Saviour. He cleanses us of all our sins. Isn't the tree starting to look better?”
We watched with anticipation as Mom reached over and turned on the third switch. Bright blue lights glimmered like sapphires twinkled throughout the tree.
“The blue represents the Holy Spirit. He leads and guides us into truth.”
The fourth switch was flipped and the tree glistened with radiant green lights that dazzled like emeralds.
“The green lights represent growth. We must grow in Christ striving to be closer to Him every day.”
As Mom reached to click the final switch, I almost didn’t want her to. I knew it was the end. But I also couldn’t wait to see the gleaming yellow lights that glittered like gold.
“The yellow lights represent Heaven. When we die, we will go to Heaven where there are streets of gold.”
We all gazed at the beautiful tree full of tiny lights that sparkled like precious gems.
“Do you remember how dark the tree was before? Look at how brilliant it is now with the lights on. The lights should remind us of what Jesus, who is the light of the world, did for us.”
This was my favorite part of Christmas Eve. The tree and the references to the glistening lights were so
vivid, the hairs on my arms would stand up. It was amazing how every year it was like the first time I’d seen it. I definitely understood the reason for the season.
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“…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 (KJV)
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