Christmas Lights

Yard lights fascinate children and stymie adults. Putting up is hard, and keeping up with burned-out bulbs or blown fuses becomes maddening.

But sometimes, it becomes the highest expression of love.

Mike Whitmer had a reason for putting up Christmas lights. Whitmer found out that a friend of his daughter was coming home from the hospital. Kevin had cancer and was only 11.

So, he arranged lights to say, “Get Well, Kevin.” Mike made sure Kevin’s parents took the long way home so he could see it.

Each year, Kevin wondered, “Do you think Mr. Whitmer will put my name up in lights this year?” Each year, Mike embedded Kevin’s name in his light display.

But then tragedy struck. Kevin’s cancer returned and claimed his life when he was only 19.

That year, Kevin’s name went up on top of the house.

Such compassion is more than a nice gesture. It expresses love that cannot be missed.

It’s what God did. He nailed our sins to the cross of His Son. On that cross is your name with “debt paid” next to it.

So, the next time you see Christmas lights, remember Kevin. And remember your Father in heaven has your name in a special place.