“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. 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. There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. He came as a witness, to bear witness about the light, that all might believe through him. He was not the light, but came to bear witness about the light. The true light, which gives light to everyone, was coming into the world. He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world did not know him. He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him. But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.
– John 1:1–13
And so we look at today…
The Light Came Down
God is described as light or as the One Who brings light many times in scripture. There’s many ways we can apply this to our lives such as the light that guides us, the light that exposes us and our sin completely to Him, or the light that shows His perfection and holiness.
But there’s another aspect this verse reminds us:
The Light Of Hope
Have you ever heard of the phrase “there’s light at the end of the tunnel” or “it’s darkest before the dawn”?
This light, after a period of darkness,
is a sign of change.
Of new beginnings.
Of hope.
Paul reminds us that Jesus brought us hope in the letter to the Ephesus church…
“Remember that you were at that time separated from Christ, alienated from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world.” -Ephesians 2:12
In the midst of a dark world,
The Light (God, Himself)
Came down to offer light to everyone.
And now, we’re called to bring that light to others…
“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” -Matthew 5:14–16
Now, lest we think to highly of ourselves.
This light is not our own.
We’re told in countless other scriptures that it’s God’s Spirit, His empowerment, His life and His light that is now inside of us to share with others.
In our own strength,
We have nothing to offer,
But we can offer God’s light and His strength to everyone we come accross.
Paul describes it this way:
“But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us.” -2 Corinthians 4:7
We are merely “jars of clay”
But inside of us is the Glory, Power and Light of God that is given freely to all who receieve it through His Gospel and Grace.
So, may you not hide God’s light as you go through this Christmas season.
His light is free to all,
but remember that not all will accept it.
It’s not our job to convince people
or to argue with them,
but merely to offer.
To shine God’s light and life in our lives
and to tell people where they can receive God’s light too.