Light in the Darkness

 

By: Sarah Geringer 

“I am the Light of the world.” John 8:12 NIV

One of my favorite activities of the Christmas season is viewing light displays.  My children aren’t satisfied with simply driving through the light displays in the city parks; we must “hunt” for the prettiest and wildest displays in various neighborhoods.  

The colored lights cheer me when darkness falls before 5:00 p.m.  I like to end winter days by sitting alone in the living room, admiring the Christmas tree lights.  

Lights inspire hope amid the darkness. The concept of light in the darkness appears several times in the first Christmas story.  

Zechariah prophesied, “…the rising sun will come to us from heaven to shine on those living in darkness.” (Luke 1:78-79 NIV)  His son John was sent to point people to Jesus, the Light of the world.  

As the apostle John wrote in John 1:8-9, “He himself was not the light; he came only as a witness to the light.  The true light that gives light to every man was coming into the world.” (NIV)

When the angels appeared to the shepherds, they came at nighttime, and “the glory of the Lord shone around them.” (Luke 2:9 NIV) Their message of hope, joy, and peace blazed out against the darkness of those times, when the prophets’ voices had not been heard for hundreds of years, and the people longed for the promised Savior.  

Isaiah wrote this long before Jesus was born: “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.” (Isaiah 9:1-2 NIV)

When Jesus was circumcised as a newborn, Simeon called him “a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel.” (Luke 2:32 NIV)  Jesus is the Light of the world, and if we follow him, we will never walk in darkness and we will have the light of life. (John 8:12)

How is Jesus a light in your darkness?

 

Seeking greater peace in the busy Christmas season? Check out the Advent-themed episodes of my podcast, Finding Peace in God's Word, HERE.

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Have a blessed weekend!

Sarah Geringer
Finding Peace in God's Word

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