Let It Shine

My seven-year-old son came up with the idea for this painting—from the Edison light bulb to the star and the wise men, it was all his idea. I listened to his little heart as Jesus spoke through him.

​“Let it Shine” was the theme for the Christmas service in 2024, and I had the privilege of painting live during the service. The church was filled with light and music as we painted this majestic piece.

​With every Christmas, I have to make a choice: Do I celebrate quietly, or do I go all out with the decorations and festivities? Jesus was born in a humble stable, and humility marked His arrival. His first visitors were shepherds in the field. So, it makes sense to keep it simple.

​However, I cannot ignore the fact that baby Jesus received a King’s welcome. God the Father put on a grand welcome, with a choir of angels singing to the shepherds, sending heaven down to witness this special baby’s arrival. A unique star lit the way for the wise men! God lit up the sky that night and brought light into darkness. The Light of the World, God’s Light, became human to come be with us and show us how God looks and talks and heals.

​Today, we shine that light a little bit every day. So on Christmas, it makes sense to go big!

​Whether you choose to make it grand or keep it simple, here is something to remember: the humble King has arrived. Yes, over 2,000 years back, but also today—in your heart, in your home, in your city, in your country, in this world.

​Heaven declares His arrival, every shining star reminding us that the One who created them all came down to become our neighbor. He is not far away. Heaven has touched earth through Jesus. His voice, through the first cries of a baby, continues to pierce through eternity. His humility, His eternity—they coexist.

​Celebrate how you will, but let the Light of the World light up your darkness and bring hope, life, freedom, and joy!

​Follow the Light of God, like the wise men did. Follow the light to the baby that changed everything. Follow the light leading your way to the Savior of the world. And once you get there, follow Him!

After this interview the wise men went their way. And the star they had seen in the east guided them to Bethlehem. It went ahead of them and stopped over the place where the child was. [When they saw the star, they were filled with joy! They entered the house and saw the child with his mother, Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasure chests and gave him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.Matthew 2:9-11 NLT