Each year during the Christmas season, more and more houses are outlined with Christmas lights. I was curious to know how this tradition began, so I did a bit of research, and I have a few fun facts to share with you.
The first official outdoor Christmas display was created In 1880 by Thomas Edison. He displayed lights outside of his laboratory compound, which happened to be near a railway where many people could see the lights each night.
The first string of Christmas lights was created a few years after Edison’s outdoor display, by a man who worked alongside Mr. Edison. His name was Edward Johnson. The light string was made out of 80 small electric light bulbs.
In 1890, these strings of lights were mass-produced and department stores began using them as part of their Christmas displays decorations. Public displays of Christmas lights in retail stores and government buildings became more popular in the U.S. at the turn of the 20th century and gave way to outdoor displays on homes a few decades later when the electric lights became more affordable.
Comparatively, the Christmas lights we see displayed today, have come a long way since the1880’s. Since the late 20th century, we see increasingly elaborate outdoor light displays. For many, a familiar pastime during the holiday season is to drive or walk by neighborhoods to look at the many different lights on display. Many neighborhoods have incredibly ornate displays which require weeks to construct.
Most interesting fact I uncovered; back in the 17th century, European Christians used to display a burning candle in the windows of their house that was visible from the outside. The candles in the window indicated to other Christians that the house was a Christian house and that other Christians were welcome to come worship with the residents.
Wow, how far we strayed from such a noble tradition, using a form of light to welcome the spirit of worship among Christians.
While lighting houses is beautiful, let us not forget the real Light of the season is not found on houses or buildings, but rather in the person of Jesus Christ.
Jesus is the light of the world, sent as a humble child, so others may come to know the the truth of God’s love.
With all the glitter and sparkle of Christmas lights, let us not lose sight of the gift of light which was so lovingly displayed on that Christmas morning in Bethlehem, many years ago.
The light of Jesus’ love is a bright beacon of hope for the world to see. Be sure to remember the real shining light of Christmas… is Jesus!
-Lucy Ann
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