Advent: Light of the World - Monday, December 16
When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”
John 8:12
Light is everywhere in the Bible because darkness is everywhere in the world and in us. The Light needs to expose the darkness that is in us. We did, after all, nail Christ to the Cross with our darkness. But when Jesus died on the cross, He took our darkness. On that day, there was darkness for three hours during mid-day. Jesus descended into the darkness. Then, his body was placed in the tomb, and when the stone was rolled to cover the entrance, it was total darkness.
But Jesus spoke again to the people saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” When Jesus was in hell, He showed Satan and his dominions that He is the LIGHT of the world. He defeated death!
When Jesus was born, the Light entered the world. Then, when the tomb was open, the Light entered us! Now, we are called to live life as though we have the Light of life in us. We are to shine His light on the darkness that is all around us. People should look at us and say, “What is it that you have that brightens you up?”
Our 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.
I will leave you with these words that were spoken by our Lord Jesus Christ: “You are the light of the world. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”
Lord, help us to fulfill these words in our lives to bring glory to you, sharing the joy of your birth, life, death, and resurrection this Christmas and every day. Amen.