Earlier this week, I visited a local store to buy some new Christmas lights for our outside deck.  To my initial delight, the shelves were full.  But I was soon overwhelmed by the range of options that were before me.  There were big lights and small lights – long multi-coloured rolls or shorter strands of blue, red or white bulbs – and assorted brands and prices.  Choices abounded – and I found it really hard to make a decision.

In the overall scheme of things, choosing the type and colour of Christmas lights is a minor matter. But many of us have to make lots of other decisions during the Christmas season that are of far greater consequence.  What should I get for those special but hard-to-buy-for people who  already have everything they need?  What upcoming concerts and events are at the top of my list to attend, and what ones aren’t a priority?  What charities will I support, and how much time and energy can I afford to give?  

This coming Sunday the church celebrates the “Reign of Christ”, and makes the claim that a focus on Jesus’ life and work can provide us with a template that can help inform the choices we make.  He was a “king” who served and sacrificed, so what can we learn from his example?  Can focusing more attention on his call to love and care for those around us help us make decisions that are wise and faithful?  What might the coming weeks look like if we remembered that the season is really about sharing the gifts of hope, peace, joy and love – not only with family and friends – but with those who are struggling and alone?

Through Jesus, God’s love for the world is made real.  And his reign is revealed whenever we listen to the truth of God, and put God’s truth into action.  May we all do our best to do that in the days and weeks to come.