Light of the World

 

Darkness—the quiet accumulation of negative thoughts that slowly overwhelm the spirit.  During the holiday season, when the world around us showers candy canes and lights on the trees, our spirit can be overcome by darkness.  This can surface for a variety of reasons.  Turning on the news and experiencing the darkness in our world (violence, wars, etc.), can bring us despair.  The grief of missing a loved one who has passed can bring a sense of emptiness.  Health challenges can bring a sense of hopelessness.  All of these situations and so many more can shower us with a heaviness we cannot explain.

Today’s verse brings us the light of hope in a world of darkness.  That light is our Jesus!  Jesus does not promise that our lives will not have dark moments.  In fact, John 16:33 states, “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”  And indeed, He has!  Our dark moments are covered by Jesus’ light.  Our walk through the dark moments can be isolating and leave us believing that no other person is enduring what we are enduring.  Fear not!  Jesus tells us we will never walk in darkness if we follow Him!

Jesus brings us something that nobody else can, the light of hope.  This light may not take away all the darkness we are feeling, but He brings us the light that can burn brighter than the dark.  Jesus’ love covers us with a veil of light.  We may never understand why the darkness has entered our lives.  Yet, the hope that is brought to us by the light of the Son of God provides us with an everlasting Father who will never leave us, never forsake us.  He is greater than this world.  He overcame death so that we may live in His light.

Jesus also gives us the opportunity to be a light to others.  Look around you this Christmas season.  Is there someone who you could give the light of hope?  Is there something you can do for another that will bring light to their darkness?  It could be as simple as a phone call, preparing a meal, praying together, or sitting in silence.  Letting someone else feel your light may be all another person needs.  Bring Jesus’ light of the world to those around us!

Video that complements blog post:  Light of the World

Dearest Jesus, thank you for being the light of the world.  Your light overshadows any darkness we may be feeling with hope and love.  Help us to look around us to those who may need hope and love this Christmas season.  Amen!