Pitch black, darkness. A lack of light means that there is visual or spiritual impairment. To walk in darkness is to stumble along or live and act according to ignorance, error, sin, even blindness. The Bible states that God created light and that He is light.
“And God said, ‘Let there be light,’ and there was light. God saw that the light was good, and He separated the light from the darkness.” Genesis 1:3-4 (NIV)
“His life is the light that shines through the darkness—and the darkness can never extinguish it.” John 1:5 (Living Bible)
Since God is light, there is no darkness in Him at all. He is without sin. The light of God is His holiness, righteousness, and goodness, which is in contrast to the darkness of evil and sin. Light is the nature and character of God. All light comes from Him. God created light in our world to dispel darkness. All sin and devilment are exposed in His light. Thus, if darkness (willful sin) is within us, He will not commune with us. Sin breaks our relationship with God. It hinders our prayers and thus our means of communicating with Him.
However, God sent His son into the darkness of this world because He loves us. Jesus, the very essence of pure light, willingly stepped into the blackest of shadows to live as the Son of Man. This is like a human being agreeing to be transformed into a worm!
Light of the world, You stepped down into darkness. Open my eyes, let me see. ~ Michael W. Smith
“To open their eyes, in order to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who are sanctified by faith in Me.” Acts 26:18 (NKJV)
Our sin had impaired our relationship with God. Jesus wanted to be the bridge that reunited us with His Father. Jesus, pure and without sin, entered the world to save us. Because of our sin, He left the sanctity of heaven and offered us redemption. The sacrifice of Jesus is beyond our understanding.
“For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus.” 1 Timothy 2:5 (NIV)
“The people living in darkness have seen a great light; On those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned” Matthew 4:16 (NIV)
“In Him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” John 1:4-5 (NIV)
Jesus was born in Bethlehem and God sent angels to announce His birth. With the glory of the Lord shining all around them, they informed nearby shepherds of the Good News. The Savior of the world was born!
“And shepherds were in the same region, living-in-the-fields and watching over their flock for watches of the night. And an angel of the Lord stood near them, and the glory of the Lord shined around them, and they feared a great fear. And the angel said to them, “Do not be fearing. For behold— I am announcing-as-good-news to you a great joy which will be for all the people, because a Savior was born for you today in the city of David, Who is Christ the Lord. “ Luke 2:8-11 (NKJV)
Three Eastern kings followed a bright star which miraculously led them to Jesus. This light was their guide through the dark of night. They trusted that the heavenly host would safely lead them to Jesus. When God wants our attention, He will illuminate our surroundings, our hearts, and our minds.
“The star which they had seen in the East went before them, till it came and stood over where the young Child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceedingly great joy. And when they had come into the house, they saw the young Child with Mary His mother, and fell down and worshiped Him. And when they had opened their treasures, they presented gifts to Him: gold, frankincense, and myrrh.” Matthew 2:9-11 (NKJV)
“To open their eyes, in order to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who are sanctified by faith in Me.” Acts 26:18 (NKJV)
As an adult, Jesus described His disciples as light and light-bearers (Matthew 5:14-16). As believers, we too need to let the light of Christ shine brightly. The cheerful and joyful light of hope that we emanate will glorify God as we lead others to the saving grace of Jesus.
Praise God for He is the Light of the World! Praise God who shines brightly and guides us in every way. Praise God for His birth, ministry, death, resurrection, and faithful promises!
“You are all children of the light and children of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness.” 1 Thessalonians 5:5 (NIV)
“Who alone has immortality, who dwells in unapproachable light, whom no one has ever seen or can see? To Him be honor and eternal dominion. Amen.”
1 Timothy 6:16 (ESV)
“For this is what the Lord has commanded us: ‘I have made you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.’” Acts 13:47 (NIV)
“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 (NIV)
“I will lead the blind by ways they have not known, along unfamiliar paths I will guide them; I will turn the darkness into light before them and make the rough places smooth. These are the things I will do; I will not forsake them.” Isaiah 42:16 (NIV)