And the judgment is based on this fact: Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil.

John 3:19

If you have ever been in a dark room with only one source of light, you will find that your eyes are instinctively drawn to that light. It is the only point of reference for where you are positioned in that room. Now scripture declares, “God is light and in him is no darkness at all (1 John 5b).” The writer of Ephesians further warns, “Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them (Ephesians 5:11).

These are dark days punctuated with all manner of fruitless deeds. Despite this, the light of Jesus Christ shines brightly still. The light shines through God’s inspired Holy Word, illuminating the path of those who fear him. The light shines through the deeds of those who walk with kindness and compassion in relation to their neighbor. The light shines through you daily as you serve “the least of these,” in Jesus’ name.

The thing about light is that it has a tendency to take the focus off the darkness, frequently captivating its audience in its brightness. In Matthew’s gospel for instance, the author says of the Magi, “When they saw the star, they were filled with joy (Matthew 2:10)!” The star radiated a truth in their hearts that brought them great joy. Likewise, despite this present darkness that surrounds our lives today, we too can find joy, in the light of Christ within our hearts. In the words of a famous hymn by Helen Howarth Lemmel (1918), all you have to do is “Turn your eyes upon Jesus….” Therefore, rejoice and be glad, the Light is here!

Dear Father, we know that your Light has come into the world. Teach us to seek it daily and to radiate it often to the glory and honor of your Precious name. Amen!