As we were driving through our neighborhood one evening, we commented on all the beautiful Christmas lights that illuminated homes making them look like a fairyland. However, when we passed those same houses in the daytime, and the magical look was gone. Even if the lights were turned on in the daylight, they were almost invisible compared to the powerful radiance of the sun. I couldn’t help but notice the comparison between this and our Savior who was called “the Light of the World”.
Jesus said of Himself this in John 8:12: “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.’” No more beautiful words could have been said for He brought the light of truth into this dark, fallen world. While He was among us, He brought light to false teaching, illumination to the meaning of God’s Word, and brightness into the hearts of all who believed. Prior to His coming, the Bible describes the way men walked: “They do not know nor do they understand. They walk about in darkness; all the foundations of the earth are shaken” (Psalm 82:5). From the Garden of Eden onward, men chose to walk in darkness away from God for sin had entered the world. What a difference, though, when Christ came into the world. John Piper describes it like this: “The light of Christ is the brightness of God shining on the retina of the human soul. Jesus speaks from God and for God and as God” (John Piper, “I Am the Light of the World” March 12, 2011).
After Christ came and then, ascended to Heaven, He left behind the light of His truth in all who believed in Him. We are called to now be the “light of the world”. Though our light is much smaller than His, together we are mighty for dispelling the darkness of sin around us. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus said: " 14 “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” With the power of the Holy Spirit living in all believers, we continue to shed light in the darkness all around us just as the Christmas lights shine brightly each evening.
Our Shorter Westminster Confession tells us that our purpose is to “glorify God and enjoy Him forever”. Indeed, as we shine brightly by proclaiming to those around us the Good News of salvation found in Jesus Christ, we are bringing glory to God. So the question is for us all: Are we shining brightly in our world? Do we bring the light of Christ to our workplace? To our daily activities at home or out in public? Do people know we are followers of Christ?
At Christmas time and every other time in life, we have been called to bring light into the darkness. If ever there was a need for this, the time is now. We know the moral depths to which our world has fallen. We see the family being torn apart by the pressures present in this world; therefore it is all the more important for us to be a lighthouse to those around us trying to make it safely to shore. One day, of course, Christ will return and when He does, He will drive all the darkness away. This is when all the world will see His truth, justice and Lordship over all creation. Until then, we must keep our lights shining. The best way to do this is to gather in fellowship often so that we may grow in His Word. This keeps the flame burning brightly. Just as the Christmas lights bring joy to all who see them, so the light of our Lord Jesus Christ will dispel the darkness of this world. Let us rejoice that He has chosen us to be representatives of His light this Christmas! Selah!
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