Scripture:
“In him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” (John 1:4-5)
Reading:
My family stood at the pitch-black entrance. The gaping hole of an abandoned railroad tunnel open to us like a hungry mouth. My grandmother’s words echoed in my mind. “You’re brave. It’s awfully dark in there!” Stepping into that cold void, I understood what she meant.
We continued to follow the track as far as we could before breaking out a flashlight. Its brilliance instantly filled our surrounding space. We wised up and began walking in the light – secure and at peace.
“Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, ‘I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.’” (John 8:12)
When Jesus declared Himself the light of the world, he was referring to Old Testament metaphors that describe the Messiah as light (Psalm 84:11, Malachi 4:2). Jesus the Messiah came as the glory of His Jewish people as well as the light of the world.
Just as the sun shines in more than one spot, on more than one nation, so does the Lord revealing the way to a saving relationship with God. He cannot be confined. He will never be extinguished. He is the living God who makes Himself known to those willing to see.
As Jesus said, “If anyone walks in the day, he does not stumble, because he sees the light of this world. But if anyone walks in the night, he stumbles, because the light is not in him." (John 11:9-1-0)
Jesus Christ, the Source of spiritual light, gives Himself as our constant guide. Yet, we can be tempted to anxiously grasp in the darkness, groping for what does not exist – abundant life and peace apart from God.
Consider again the message of Christmas. The baby in the manger grew to be the light of mankind. Christ continues to invite all to become children of light, children of the day (1 Thessalonians 5:5). It is an invitation to live as He did, obeying our Heavenly Father in the light of His love.
Ask Christ to reveal His light to you, your family, your community. Walk in His light – secure and at peace.
Application:
Soak in the light of scripture. Allow the above passages to play over and over in your mind.
You walk in the light by obeying God (1 John 3:18–19, 24). Ask the Lord how you can grow in
obedience today.
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, Light of the world, I praise You for walking with me through the darkness. Father God, please open the eyes of my heart that I may see Christ’s light illuminating my path and know how to live. I ask for grace to walk as a child of the light. Amen.