Light was one of the very first concepts talked about by God in His Word. Here’s what it says in Genesis 1:1-4:
“In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. The earth was without form and void, and darkness was over the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters. And God said, ‘Let there be light,’ and there was light. And God saw that the light was good. And God separated the light from the darkness.”
Light was introduced in creation and darkness dissipated. The same principle continues to this day. And, not surprisingly, the same prevailed in that historical moment when God’s Son was welcomed to Earth. The angels proclaimed His birth in the midst of the shining light of God’s glory. Later on, the wise men came from the East following a star that shone the way, guiding them to the coming King they were to meet and worship. And John lets us know that “In Him was life, and the life was the light of men.” (John 1:4)
During Jesus’ stay amongst us, in one of the great “I Am” statements, he said about Himself – “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” (John 8:12). But, concerning this very light, He let us know – “And this is the judgment: the light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the light because their works were evil. For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his works should be exposed. But whoever does what is true comes to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that his works have been carried out in God.” (John 3:19-21).
The light of Jesus was introduced during a dark time. The political, social and religious climates of that day were oppressive, uncertain and confusing. We still live in a dark world today. Jesus is the Light of the world and has come to bring freedom, assurance and clarity into our lives. But He has warned us that some people might not gravitate towards the light because they live in and enjoy the darkness. Their dark deeds are keeping them away from the light they need. So, what is needed?
First, we need to shed the darkness. The Bible prompts us to put aside all that weighs us down, to not lean on our own understanding, to recognize sin for what is is, to flee from it. Second, our decision should be to come to the light. You see, this light it’s a Person, not a religion, or a set of rules. The plea of “Come to me” found in Matthew 11:28 is for you and for me, Jesus’ invitation to “Follow me” is for each one of us. The invite has been sent, the response is up to us. Will you come?
Third, live in the light. Tired and disappointed by the dark life that has no lasting value or joy, those of us who have come to the light are encouraged to remain in the light. We are also called “the light of the world” by Jesus in Matthew 5:14. As the moon has no light of its own, but only reflects the light of the sun to shine in the night sky, so are we to reflect the Light of the world during the dark night hours, shining amidst the shadows.
The call to “abide” in John 15, the life of obedience to His commands He expected in John 14, the “daily bread” we trust Him for as He taught us to pray in Matthew 6, the committed and sacrificial life of the first disciples in the book of Acts and so much more beckons us to live in the light. If you have shed the darkness and come to the light, please continue to live in that light.
So many of the principles in Scripture are seen clearly from cover to cover. Light is no exception. The book of Genesis saw light appear to dissipate darkness. The Gospel of Matthew tells us that the coming of Christ was announced in illumination and that we are to be the light of the world, followed by the example of the first believers. the Bible’s final book, Revelation, shows us one more shiny glimpse. In our eternal home, we find the inspired description by the apostle John, as he declares – “And the city has no need of sun or moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and its lamp is the Lamb.” (Revelation 21:23). Forever and ever, all of us that have a relationship with God through His Son Jesus will be immersed and bathed in the light of His glory, with no need for any other luminosity. No more darkness, no more sin, no more sickness, no more death. Looking forward to it!
But while I’m here, this little light of mine…I’m gonna let it shine!!!
My mom Anisia went to be with her Lord last Friday, December 18th. She is now basking in His glorious light forever.
Caring in the Workplace, as a Senior Certified Chaplain with Corporate Chaplains of America
my morning b.r.e.w. 
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