The Street Light
By Debbie Roome
"You will go out in joy and be led
forth in peace; the mountains and
hills will burst into song before you,
and all the trees of the field will clap
their hands."
Isaiah 55:12
iffany pressed her nose against the frosty window pane. Christmas Eve and the house was stuffed with cookies, gifts and exciting aromas. It was dark outside and behind her, the fire had died down to orange embers. Even so, she didn’t feel tired.
As though reading her mind, Daddy switched off the main lights and came up behind her. “Bed time, Tiffy Taffy”
He snuggled an arm around her and she leaned against him. “Just a little longer please. Don’t forget I’ve had a birthday since last Christmas.” She held up six fingers to remind him.
“Alright, just a few minutes then.”
Tiffany smiled as she wiped a circle in the misty glass. Lacy sheets of snow drifted past and the street lamp outside their home glowed golden. “Come see, Daddy.”
He bent down and rested his head at her level.
“Look at the light shining from the lamp out there. It’s shaped like a Christmas tree and so pretty.”
“It really is.” Daddy agreed. “But not half as pretty as our tree. You did such a wonderful job this year.”
Tiffany let the curtain fall back into place and walked over to the tree. It was twice as tall as she and sprinkled with tinsel and glowing baubles. Tiny fairy lights flashed on and off, on and off in perfect rhythm. “Why do we put lights on the tree, Daddy?’
He swooped her up and carried her to his big rocking chair in front of the fireplace. “I’m not sure what the real reason is but I can tell you a special story about lights if you’d like to hear it.”
“Oohh, yes please.” She settled on his lap as he began to talk.
Light is very powerful. This room would be dark if it weren’t for the fire and tree lights. Even a tiny candle would send light into a dark room.”
Tiffany nodded her head. That made perfect sense to her.
Daddy continued the story. “The Bible tells us that Jesus is the light of the world. If we let him shine in our hearts, we may only feel like a candle, but we can still make a difference. Sometimes we may start as a little candle but end up as a bright powerful light for Jesus.”
Tiffany rested against his chest, warm and secure. “Does Jesus’ light shine in your heart, Daddy.”
“It definitely does, Tiffy. I asked him to come into my heart when I was ten and He’s been my best friend ever since.”
They were silent for a long while and then Tiffany spoke again. “If I ask Jesus, will he bring his light into my heart, Daddy?”
His arms tightened around her. “Oh absolutely. There’s nothing He’d like more. Would you like to pray with me and ask him in?”
Tiffany nodded her head.
“Say these words after me, then. Dear Lord Jesus, I want to give my life to you and be your child. Please fill my heart with your light and show me how to love you always. Amen.”
Tiffany echoed the amen and opened her eyes. She felt brand new inside; all clean and fresh and bright. Then she looked at Daddy and saw tears wobbling in his eyes. They were round and shiny like Christmas baubles and the lights of the Christmas tree reflected in them.” She reached up and caught one on her finger tip. “Don’t cry, Daddy. Christmas is a happy time.”
He pulled out his hanky. “I know, sweetheart. They’re tears of joy. This is going to be a Christmas to remember. The best Christmas of my life.”
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