Wednesday, December 20, 2023

            The word “light” probably brings some words and images to mind.  You might think about the light that allows you to read these words.  You might think about the sun, headlamps on a car, a ceiling light or a flashlight that illuminates a dark night when the power goes out.  You might think about lovely Christmas decorations or a candle like the ones we use in the Advent wreath or on Christmas Eve in our church’s worship.  Light is also a good biblical word.  Genesis tells us that God created light by speaking it into existence.  Light even plays a role in the Christmas story.  Wise men were led to Jesus by the light of the Christmas star.  John wrote, “He came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all might believe. He himself was not the light; he came only as a witness to the light. The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world” (John 1:7-9).  Of course, John was speaking of Jesus as being the “light that came into the world.” 
            Jesus agreed with John.  He declared Himself to be the light of the world (John 9:5).  A few truths stand out about Jesus being light that we need to see.  First, Jesus shows us the way to be forgiven, saved and received into the Father’s family.  Jesus is the way (and the truth and the life...John 14:6).  He is not simply one choice among many or one way among a world full of ways.  Our Lord declared Himself to be THE way.  There is no plan B or second choice for salvation.  Christ is right and every other way is wrong.  As light, Christ reveals this truth for us to see.
           Second, Jesus shows us who we are and reveals our profound need for Him as our Savior.  He shows us the depth and breadth of our sinfulness.  He shows us the deep stains of sin that mark our hearts.  His light gives us a clear and un-fettered look at who we are and what sin has done to us.  By contrast, Christ brings the light of the Father’s Word and truth for us to see.  We know we are sinners when we see the standard of righteousness that the Father has revealed and endorsed in His Word.
           Third, as light, Jesus is our compass for navigating through life.  He is the One we follow.  He is the One we embrace.  He is the One to whom we attach ourselves by faith.  He is the One we trust to get us from one place to another.  Christ is the Word of God (see John 1:1-4).  As the Word, He is the lamp unto our feet and the light unto our path.  When we declare Jesus is Lord, we attach ourselves to Him and submit to where He leads us.  We go willingly down the roads that He may mark for us.
          Fourth, the darkness of this world does not overcome or extinguish the light of Jesus.  John wrote, “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it” (John 1:5). Nothing in this created world can ever shine brighter or clearer than Christ—the Creator. Everything in this world pales in comparison to the brightness of the light that Christ brings to us.  Scripture teaches that His glory shines brighter than the sun that illuminates our planet and warms our faces.  There is nothing greater, bolder or brighter than the light of Christ.  If we are yearning for hope, forgiveness, meaning and fulfillment, then Jesus is the One to whom we turn.  We embrace Him and hold on to Him.  There can be no other worthwhile choice or place to turn.
            And fifth, Jesus is the light of Christmas.  While we all enjoy some of the other trappings of Christmas that involve trees, Santa, shopping and festive moments, the meaning of Christmas is Jesus.  The reason for Christmas is Jesus.  He must shine brighter in our minds and hearts than anything or anyone.  He is the reason for our rejoicing.  He is the author of the hope and joy that we proclaim at Christmas.  He is our reason for the peace and love that we experience and enjoy.  Christ is Christmas.  And Christmas is Christ.  Indeed, the name Christ is found at the beginning of Christmas.  Without Him, there is no Christmas.  There is just “mas.”  To enjoy that light, take time to read the Christmas story in Luke 2.  Enjoy your favorite worship hymns and carols.  Take time to pray and name your blessings before the Lord.  Renew your faith in Him.
            We hope you can join us for Bible study and worship at the regular time this Sunday, December 24th.  We will also have our traditional Christmas Eve worship on Sunday at 5pm.  This service is a great occasion to invite friends, family and neighbors to worship with us.  Have a Merry Christmas!