By Shirley Rosemarie Evans
“I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life”
John 8:12 NLT
Almost every culture in the Northern Hemisphere has some way of marking the shortest day of the year known as the Winter Solstice, an ancient pagan festival marking the rebirth of the sun. Many of the traditions of Christmas such as yule log, holly and mistletoe find their origins in polytheistic rituals.
Throughout history, humanity has celebrated light, yet often fails to own the true light of the world. Jesus’ bold declaration is unique and life-changing. No one else has the authority to make such a statement. “I am the Light of the world.” Christ is light and light equals life.
Light is Vital
Science teaches us that without light life cannot exist. It is no wonder then that “light” was the very first thing God in His great wisdom created, and we should not wonder therefore that as man moved further away from God, the world became increasingly dark. Filled with hatred, and rebellion of the one true God. A light was needed, that light was Jesus. He came into the world bringing light to man.
Light Dispels the Darkness
Dark is the absence of light. When light enters in, the darkness is no more as turning the light switch on in a dark room changes the atmosphere. The world is full of hatred, violence and despair, in this situation Jesus turns on the light. He came to save humanity leading them back to God the ultimate source of all light.
Light is Pure
Light remains pure no matter what it passes through, in the same way, Jesus, though he became flesh, and was subject to the human experiences we all have such as hunger, rejection, suffering, yet unlike humanity, he led a pure life, without sin. He came to point out sin and to be the remedy for all sin for all humanity for all time.
Light is Constant
The speed of light travelling in a vacuum is taken as a constant against which all other things are measured. In the same way, Jesus is our constant. Scripture says that He is the same yesterday, today and forever. (Hebrews 13:8). In a world where opinions, laws, and truth constantly shift, and change, it gives us confidence to know that Jesus keeps His promises, He never changes and His truth is steadfast.
Light is Visible Energy
There are lots of different types of energy, but light is the only type of energy that we can see with our eyes. Jesus is the visible manifestation of an invisible God, He is Immanuel, which is God with us. An invisible God wanted man, the crowning glory of His creation, to know Him, so He became flesh and dwelt among us. We serve a God who loves and wants to be in a relationship with us. We know Him as we experience life in and through Jesus the Son.
In this winter season, in all your rituals, your traditions and your customs don’t miss “The Light.”
Ask: Why is it that various cultures have festivals celebrating light?
Seek: How are you ensuring that the light you celebrate is the truth of Jesus as the Light of the world?
Knock: Think of one act of kindness you can do in this holiday season that will bring the light of Jesus into sharp focus to a neighbour, a stranger or someone you know who is in need.
(Upper Photo by hoch3media on Unsplash)
