LIGHT OF THE WORLD

Years ago, while visiting friends in the country, I needed to grab something from our car. Our hosts offered to lend me a flashlight, since it was a dark, moonless night. I declined, stating I possessed excellent vision. As I stepped onto their porch, I considered taking them up on their offer. But my ego persuaded me otherwise. Taking a few steps, I bumped into a stump in their yard and fell face-first onto the ground. Bruised and scratched, I grabbed the stuff I needed and returned, feeling like a prizefighter who’d been whipped by a ten-year-old. I really needed some light— even a miner’s helmet would have helped.

During the Christmas season, we’re inundated with lights. We string them around our homes and venture out on cold nights, driving through neighborhoods, to catch glimpses of the twinkling luminescence. There’s something about light that “brightens” our holiday season.

The Bible consistently uses “light” as a metaphor of righteousness and truth. In speaking of Jesus’ advent, John 1:9 declares, “The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world.” Verse five observes, “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it.”

Ever try to find a light switch in a pitch-black room? We stumble around, groping the walls, tripping and breaking objects. The same is true spiritually. Without Christ’s light, we stagger as we attempt to navigate our way through this dark world. That’s why Jesus was born— to provide us with light— to give us answers to the questions that plague us most. “Why am I alive? What’s my purpose? What happens after I die?” Matthew 4:16 promises this concerning Jesus, “The people living in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned.”

For me, that assurance is like a lifeline tossed to a drowning man. This year, more than ever, we desperately need the light of Jesus to flood our hearts. Yes, it’s been a tough year. Yes, next year may not be better. Yes, we’re continually bombarded with darkness and lies from the enemy. But don’t despair. God sent His Son to bring light into our dark world. Breathe easy. Jesus offers hope.

Take some time to soak in these promises. Lift your eyes above the darkness around us. Open your heart to the light of Jesus which brightens our lives. And… have a Merry Christmas!