"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
In 2024, when we find ourselves in darkness,
we flip a switch and instantly the darkness is gone. But in Jesus’ day when it got
dark, it was dark. So, when Jesus calls himself the light it’s a significant
claim. Even more important is that Jesus said it at the Feast of
Tabernacles when the Israelites lit a huge candelabra as a reminder of God
guiding their ancestors through the wilderness. Jesus is showing them that he
is their light dispelling the darkness of ignorance and death. Jesus was
claiming that whoever believes in Him will enjoy the light that comes from
God’s presence and produces life.
During these winter days when the night’s darkness lasts
into our morning routines and reappears before we have dinner, it’s easy to
feel like winter will never end. The
darkness brings hours without sunlight when we ruminate about the things we
should have done or said when days were brighter. We cheer ourselves by bringing candles into
our homes; light fireplaces to feel their warmth and wrap ourselves in fuzzy
blankets to fend off the cold.
As followers of Jesus, we don’t have to suffer through the
darkness. Just as we seek the comfort of candles and blankets, Jesus, the light
of life is offering warmth and security to us; we simply need to follow him.
Prayer: Let us willingly acknowledge the light Jesus can
bring into our lives if we only welcome him.
As we seek light in our physical world, remind us that Jesus is the
light of the world and will love and comfort us if we only believe in him. Amen
Carol McClain
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