“In Him was life, and the life was the light of the world. The Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it” (John 1:4-5).
Centuries ago, the Light of the world was born as a baby, a mere flicker of life in the darkness of a tiny Middle Eastern backwater.
He lived a life of perfect obedience to His Father and perfect love for His fellow man, sparking hope in those who would believe Him and hatred in those who would oppose Him.
As He hung on the cross, darkness fell across the earth. It looked for all the world like the Light had been extinguished.
Three days later, with the rising of the sun, his disciples discovered that the Light of His life burned as brightly as ever. In the tongues of fire at Pentecost, that Light fell upon those who would believe. Come what may, that Light will shine.
The darkness has not overcome it: the Light of Christ is present and continuous through the hell of wildfires and hurricanes; through the fiery crucible of injustice and hatred; through the scourge of death itself marching across the globe. Confronted like never before by the darkness around and the darkness within, we can rest – yea, even rejoice! – in the certainty that the Light of Christ will never be overcome.
Brothers and sisters, we are coming to a place there will be no night, where the Lord God Himself will be our Light. These words are trustworthy and true (Revelation 22:5-6).
The light of Christ that dawned that first Christmas shines ever brighter. Heavenly Father, we pray for eyes to see it and faith to believe it.
Come, Lord Jesus!
