WE are now in the first week of December, which means that Christmas is nearly here.

Christmas is a wonderful time of the year and is a great opportunity to stop and think about Jesus.

Back when I was growing up, the first week in December would mean that Blue Peter would start making an Advent decoration using two wire coat hangers, some tinsel and four candles.

Once completed, the presenters would light a candle on each of the four episodes that preceded Christmas Day.

I have not watched Blue Peter for many years but I suspect that they no longer make the Advent decoration of my youth because candles, tinsel and children sounds like a health and safety nightmare.

The same Jesus, whose birth we celebrate at Christmas, said this a few days before his death: “I have come as Light into the world, so that everyone who believes in Me will not remain in darkness.” John 12:46 (NASB).

As we approach Christmas Day, the candles that were such an important part of the Blue Peter project of my youth are a reminder that Jesus is the “Light of the World”.