Light in the Darkness

Isaiah prophesied that the people who are walking in darkness would see a great light and that this light would dawn on those living in the land of the shadow of death (Isaiah 9:2). John, knowing that Jesus described himself as the Light of the World (John 8:12), began his gospel by picking up on Isaiah’s prophecy and declaring the amazing truth that we read about in today’s scripture – THE light has come!

Isaiah saw the light coming, like the headlamp of a distant train speeding down the centuries on the track of time. John saw the light arrive and then watched it speeding further down the track of time into the future. For all generations since, Jesus has not only been the Light of the World but also, as John expressed it, the light of men. Jesus is the light for all generations of people who choose to believe in Him. His light shines into the darkness of our sinful lives and transforms us from the inside out.

Later in the chapter, John expresses the amazing truth that all who receive Him and believe in His name have the right to become children of God – born afresh into His wonderful Kingdom. Tragically, not everyone wants His light. Isaiah spoke so accurately when he said that the darkness would not understand the light. The simple fact is, we live in an increasingly dark world – a world which is becoming less and less interested in the truths of Scripture and more and more tolerant of spiritual darkness.

The way of life of those who choose to live in spiritual darkness is challenged by the life and the teaching of the Son of God. What Jesus says, on so many different issues, stands in sharp contrast to what people want to hear. They don’t want to know about sin and the reality of eternal judgment and death. If you don’t understand the darkness which has become your normal way of life, then you won’t be looking for the light which can lead you away from death and into the new life which God offers to all who will believe in His Son. As the Christmas season approaches, this is a wonderful opportunity to remind yourself of who Jesus really is and to welcome Him, the Light of the World, into your life.

Prayer: Thank You, Jesus, for being the light of the world and for being the light of all those who receive you as Saviour and Lord. Today, Lord Jesus, I welcome You into my life and invite you to shine Your light into every corner of my being, so that I may see myself as You see me, receive forgiveness and healing, and step forward in faith and trust to live all my days in your service. In Jesus’s Name, Amen.