The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world. He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God—children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God. The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.
John 1:9-14
This is the verdict: Light has come into the world …
John 3:19a
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 – it is beautiful! We’ve just experienced the lights of Christmas, twinkling lights, lights that dance to music, all white lights, multi-colored lights … great crowds of people follow the lights. Why? Because light is beautiful, and Christmas lights in particular remind us of the joy inherent in Christmas.
Light is also mysterious. I’m sure those of you who are into physics could explain light to me. But I’m guessing that it still has some unknown elements.
Light pushes out the darkness, revealing the hidden.
Light promotes growth, supports life.
Light warms and comforts.
Light is powerful.
Jesus is powerful!
Jesus welcomes us, gives us peace.
Jesus is the source of all life, creation, spiritual life.
Jesus reveals God, reveals the truth about life and destiny.
For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” made his light
2 Corinthians 4:6
shine in our hearts to give us the light
of the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ.
Jesus calls us to live our lives in His light! God has “qualified us to share in the inheritance of His holy people in the kingdom of light. For He has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son He loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.” Jesus invites us to follow Him, He leads the way, lighting our paths!
Lead, kindly Light, amid the gloom of evening.
Lord, lead me on! Lord, lead me on!
On through the night! On to your radiance!
Lead, kindly Light!
Lead, kindly Light, kindly Light!The night is dark, and I am far from home,
Direct my feet; I do not ask to see
The distant scene; one step enough for me.
So lead me onward, Lord, and hear my plea.Not always thus, I seldom looked for you,
I loved to choose and seek my path alone.
In spite of fear, my pride controlled my will,
Remember not my past, but lead me still.So long your pow’r has blest me on the way,
John H. Newman, 1833
And still it leads, past hill and storm and night!
And with the morn, those angel faces smile,
Which I have loved long since, and lost a while.
As you pray today, thank God for the Light! Turn your attention to Him, and ask Him to guide your steps today.
