December 24th, 20

The True Light is Shining

Today’s reading is I John 1 - 5 and is being read from the New Living Translation.

John reminds us today that “....the darkness is passing away and the true light is already shining” I Jn 2:8

The true light is Jesus Christ.  

Today we celebrate the coming of Jesus Christ to earth, as a baby.  His coming was about as unassuming and unusual as one could imagine….a tiny baby, born to a couple of teen agers, the mother which was a virgin, in a tiny town, and in an area reserved for animals.  Who could have imagined that God could come to us in such a lowly way?  But Jesus’ humble entrance brought light back into a dark world, though at first, only some family and friends, a few shepherds and three wise men took note of it.

I can’t help but draw a line from that moment to another time that light came into the world.  Jesus was ‘new’ to Mary and Joseph but Jesus had always been.  He was the creator of those first rays of light that shone out over the dark formless void in Genesis 1.  He had created the first dawn.

Then God said, “let there be light,” and there was light.  And God saw that the light was good.” 

John tells us that 

“In the beginning the Word already existed.  The Word was with God, and the Word was God.  He existed in the beginning with God.  God created everything through him, and nothing was created except through him.  The Word gave life to everything that was created, and his life brought light to everyone.  The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it.” (John 1:1 - 5 NLT)

Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” (Jn 8:12 ESV)

Jesus came into the world as a baby, lived his life, shedding the light of himself everywhere he went.  Though he was still a young man when he died, he defeated death, for his life and light can never be extinguished.  Through the changed lives of a devoted few, his fame, power, and light has spread throughout the world.  It is often unperceived in this dark world.  But for those of us who welcome him, He resides within us!  How can it be?!  What a marvel!

For God, who said, “Let there be light in the darkness,” has made this light shine in our hearts so we could know the glory of God that is seen in the face of Jesus Christ.  (II Cor 4:6 NLT)

John, would later receive this word from Jesus: 

“I, Jesus, have sent my angel to give you this message for the churches. I am both the source of David and the heir to his throne. I am the bright morning star.” (Rev 22:16 NLT)

Jesus has come into our darkness.  He abides in us through the Holy Spirit.  He is the morning star.  One day, the whole earth will be flooded with the light of Christ and no one will be able to miss the brilliance.  

“And the city has no need of sun or moon, for the glory of God illuminates the city, and the Lamb is its light” (Rev 21:23 NLT)

As you celebrate the birth of Jesus today, consider the ways that Jesus has brought light into your dark world.  Put that light on a stand, to offer light for others.  And imagine a day coming, when the glory of God illuminates our world completely, for all to see.

You light a lamp for me. The Lord, my God, lights up my darkness. Ps 18:28 NLT

You are loved!