Lighting the Way

The Christmas story clearly tells the Gospel message of how God sent Jesus into the world to save us from our sins in order to give us eternal life and hope. Yet many have turned this into a secular celebration with their own traditions and interpretations. We see that pattern in a song called “Bring a Torch, Jeannette, Isabella.”

The original French text was written sometime in the distant past but translated into English in the 18th century. Rather than a Christmas carol, it essentially became dance music.

In this song, two shepherds are urged to bring torches to light the way so others can see the baby Jesus. They are called to run to the village to share the message that “Christ is born.”

Impacted by this song, torches remain a Christmas tradition for many in France, where children dress up as shepherds and milkmaids, carrying torches and candles while singing this carol.

The adaptation may have been secular, but the message was spiritual. It reminds us that Jesus came to be the Savior of the world. And we are called to share this message, to urge people to come to Jesus.

Today, the world commemorates Christmas with many traditions and many ways of explaining the meaning of Jesus’ birth. But, as believers, we must focus on the Biblical message. Celebrate the birth of our Savior. Light the way.