I Have Seen the Light

Light. 

The Bible is filled with references to light, from its creation in Genesis 1:3 

And God said, ‘Let there be light,’ and there was light 

to our eternal destiny in Revelation 22:5 

There will be no more night. They will not need the light of a lamp or the light of the sun, for the Lord God will give them light. And they will reign for ever and ever. 

Nothing so pierces the darkness as the tiniest glimmer of light. Darkness causes fear and stumbling, while light suddenly makes our way clear. Have you ever tried to make your way through a lightless campground without a flashlight, or found yourself suddenly in a dark house during a power outage? There’s a moment of panic – the lack of boundaries, the fear of the unknown. The moment you light that candle or flip the switch on the flashlight you feel a physical sense of relief, a comforting awareness of objects around you, the confidence of where to place your next step.

Into a dark, dark world, Jesus was sent to illuminate our hearts and bring an everlasting light.

Matthew 4:16, which echoes the words of Isaiah 9:2 says, ”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.”

The following verses speak of Jesus as the true Light:

John 1:4-5

In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. 

John 8:12

I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life. 

John 12:46

I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness. 

Just as the bright star in the sky led the Magi to seek and worship, so His light today draws us into his Holy presence.

2 Corinthians 4:6

For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ. 

Many of our Christmas traditions revolve around lights – a twinkling Christmas tree, bright light displays on houses, and my favorite – Christmas-y scented candles around the house and in the windows. Each of these traditions help us to remember the One who was sent to bring true Light into the world. As we enjoy every glowing light this Christmas season, let us pause to thank Him for bringing the light of salvation into this world. And may our lives be a reflection of the light that is within.

Ephesians 5:8

For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light.