This, in essence, is the message we heard from Christ and are passing on to you: God is light, pure light; there’s not a trace of darkness in him. If we claim that we experience a shared life with him and continue to stumble around in the dark, we’re obviously lying through our teeth—we’re not living what we claim. But if we walk in the light, God himself being the light, we also experience a shared life with one another, as the sacrificed blood of Jesus, God’s Son, purges all our sin.
First John 1: 5-7
God is light. This simple truth is one we can cling to, especially as we continue our march into autumn, with the days growing darker. Here, the author of First John picks up a theme voiced by Jesus Himself, when he said, “I am the light of the world.” (John 8:12) Jesus also spoke about how we are called upon to “let your light shine before others.” (Matthew 5: 16)
I have always found it fascinating how light is associated with safety, and security. Many of us have some kind of a dusk-to-dawn security light around our home. Not only does it help illuminate our path when it is dark out, but the light acts as a deterrent for burglars, and others who would seek to wreak havoc under the cover of darkness. Stumbling around in the darkness is not safe, and can often lead to catastrophes. Crime rises during darkness. People get lost in the outdoors when darkness falls.
God is light because He helps us to see the truth, in much the same way that visible light helps us to see exactly where we are, and where we are going.
Yet the miracle of light is that it not only helps us to see the obstacles we face. It also shows us a path forward. A few years ago, I was on a winter vacation with my older two sons, up in Canada. We were driving through a snowstorm at night. The road was a relatively narrow road without street lights, and the stripes on the road were so covered with snow that they were almost non-existent. We made it to our destination, but only with some white-knuckle driving! I was thankful for the headlights on my vehicle, for they provided the protection we needed to arrive at our destination safely.
The headlights from my car are like the light that Jesus offers us. Even when there is darkness all around, He is always present. He is the pure light which will show us the way to safely journey into the future.
We have the same ability to help shine light into the lives of others. We can reflect the light of Christ to them. Our light from Christ can point the way for others who are wandering in darkness. When it is we ourselves who are wandering, we can reach out to Jesus. He promises that He will be with us. We may not see a physical light, but holding onto His spiritual light will guide us to a secure and safe place with Him.
I believe we are called upon to share the good news-the positive news- of God’s love and light. Let us all share the light of Christ with others…
Prayer
God of light,
Thank You for sending us Your son Jesus, for He truly is the Light of the World. May we reflect His light, and His love. When we start to reflect the world’s darkness, remind us that You have given us a higher calling: to be bearers of the light. May we might shine for You, and help spread Your love and joy into every dark corner of our world. We pray this prayer in Jesus’ name. Amen.
