By day, it looks like a quaint Hallmark movie, but each night, the village transforms into a breathtaking wonderland with nearly 2 million colorful lights.
Along the waters edge lies the marina, sparkling with countless lights adorning all the masts, those sailboat poles that mirror brightly on the calm water, reflecting a kaleidoscope of reds, greens, and blues, inviting you to linger a little longer to soak in the breathtaking sight.
These lights are more than mere decorations; they are symbols of joy, hope, and the divine light of Christmas, dispelling the darkness of winter nights. This will mark our third Christmas living here in this beautiful place, and each time the lights illuminate the night, my heart resonates with two powerful scriptures:
Genesis 1:3—“And God said, ‘Let there be light,’ and there was light.”
2 Corinthians 4:6—“God said, ‘Light up the darkness!’ and our lives filled up with light as we saw and understood God in the face of Jesus Christ.”
I’ve heard some folks grumbling about how Christmas decorations and music seem to appear earlier each season. I completely understand that sentiment, especially when it feels overly commercialized. But if we pause and appreciate those early sounds and sights, we can find something extraordinary. The music and carols carry messages that glorify God, reminding us of the incredible gift of His Son, born on that special day. Honestly, a whole month doesn’t seem nearly enough! Imagine if this joyful celebration could fill our winter months, resonating with everyone bustling through stores.
And everywhere you look, storefronts and shop windows display creativity and wonder. Our little village is alive with the Spirit of the season.
Let’s take a moment to remember what Christmas really means! The word “Christ” comes from the Greek “Christos,” meaning “the anointed one,” the title that signifies Jesus as God’s chosen Savior, our Messiah, and “Mas” means “service.” So when we say Christmas, we’re celebrating God’s gift to us and serving others by sharing that gift.
John 3:16
16 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.
Even all the carols and hymns we sing highlight the truth and beauty of Christmas and illustrate the humble beginnings of our Savior. If you want to appreciate these classic hymns fully, grab a red-backed hymnal, read those profound lyrics, and let your heart soar in song.
Each time I pass this corner, the lyrics to this Christmas song become real🎵
City sidewalks, busy sidewalks
Dressed in holiday style
In the air, there’s a feelin’ of Christmas
Children laughing, people passing
Meeting smile after smile
And on every street corner, you hear, Silver bells
Here’s a glimpse inside some of the shops here at Christmas.
We all need a Linus in our lives, like in the classic “A Charlie Brown Christmas,” when Charlie Brown yells out loud, “Isn’t there anyone who knows what Christmas is all about?!”
Linus steps forward, drops his security blanket, and recites Luke 2:8-14, revealing the Nativity story and the birth of Jesus. He famously concludes with-
