Advent Week 3: Christmas Lights in LaGrange Bring Joy

Joy is the theme for the third week of Advent. Last Thursday we took a quick trip to LaGrange, Georgia for my 65th birthday. Now you might think that turning 65 isn’t an occasion for joy. However, I disagree! My husband helped me celebrate God’s goodness in my life for the last 65 years. The reason we chose LaGrange was to visit the Biblical History Center there. I highly recommend it for anyone who wants to learn more about life during Bible times.

The Christmas carousel

Looking for Christmas Lights in LaGrange

However, on Thursday night when we got there, we drove around town to explore. We ended up on Poplar Circle, a small street off Lafayette Parkway. We were delighted when we drove past the amazing display at 177. We drove down the street a bit further, then turned around to revisit the stunning display we had just passed. I got out to take a picture of the nativity scene.

Just then a young man called out to us, asking if we’d like to walk through the display. Keith joined me as we buttoned our coats and headed over to the other side of the yard where they had a walkway made of brilliantly lit arches. About that time his mom came out wrapped in a warm robe. They were eager to share their light display with us. She explained that they have been doing this for the last 22 years, adding a few more details each year.

The Reindeer corral

We wandered past the carousel down to the Santa display where they offered to take our picture in the spot they had prepared for that very purpose. Then we saw the reindeer corral filled with brightly lit reindeer. Our next stop was a walk through the Christmas tree forest with the lights dancing to familiar carols. Our final stop was back at the huge nativity scene.

The Joy of Giving

It was obvious that this was a lot of fun for the homeowners. We asked them if we could make a donation to help with the electricity cost for all those lights. She responded with an emphatic NO! She went on to tell us that they do this every year to bring joy to their community. About 20 miles down the road Callaway Gardens has a fabulous display that costs about $40 to visit. However, not everyone can afford that, so this family has chosen to provide a beautiful display that doesn’t cost anything as a gift to the people of LaGrange.

The nativity scene

It isn’t hard to find opportunities to be joyful and to make others joyful. Perhaps you can give gifts to someone who won’t receive much this Christmas. Maybe you could provide food for a family in need. Or you might be able to make room at your table for a lonely older adult. As you read this, think about how you can bring joy to someone this season. You will find that you end up receiving even more joy!