The tradition of placing lights on homes during Christmas traces its origins back to the use of candles in early church celebrations. Those candles were intended to picture the truth that Jesus Christ is the "light of the world." Indeed, in John 8:12 Jesus states, "I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life."
In the 17th century, German Christians began decorating their Christmas trees with candles. This practice represented the light of Christ breaking into a dark world. Others have suggested that candles represented the star that led the wise men to Christ.
With the advent of residential electricity in the late 19th century, the tradition shifted from candles to electric lights. In 1882, Edward H. Johnson, an associate of Thomas Edison, created the first known electrically lit Christmas tree in New York City. This innovation eventually led to the adoption of string lights for decorating homes.
By the early 20th century, electric Christmas lights became widely available, and the practice of decorating homes with lights grew in popularity. This trend was particularly notable in the United States — but spread to other parts of the world.
Today, Christmas lights are placed on homes as a holiday tradition. But Christians do well to remember the spiritual significance behind the tradition. Christmas lights should serve as a reminder of the true "reason for the season"—the birth of Jesus Christ. In him alone we find eternal life. He is indeed the “light of men” and the light that “shineth in darkness” (John 1:4,5).
Do you know Christ as your Savior? We invite you to read more at the links below.
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