Isaiah 9:1–2 – “Nevertheless, there will be no more gloom for those who were in distress. In the past he humbled the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, but in the future he will honor Galilee of the nations, by the Way of the Sea, beyond the Jordan—The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned”
John 1: 4-5 “In him was life; and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.”
John 8: 12 “Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I AM THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.”
“I am the Light of the world” (John 8:12) is the second of seven “I AM” declarations of Jesus, recorded only in John’s gospel, that point to His unique Divine identity and purpose. In declaring Himself to be the Light of the world, Jesus was claiming that He is the exclusive source of spiritual light. No other source of spiritual truth is available to mankind.
There are two types of light in the world. We can perceive one, or both, or neither! When we are born into this world, we perceive physical light, and by it, we learn of our Creator’s Handiwork in the things we see. However, although that light is good, there is another Light, a Light so important that the Son of God had to come in order to both declare and impart it to men.
John 8:12 records, “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 have the light of life.’” The metaphor used by the Lord in this verse speaks of the Light of His Truth, the Light of His Word, the Light of eternal Life. Those who perceive the true Light will never walk in spiritual darkness. We take a candle into a room to dispel the darkness.
Likewise, the Light of Jesus Christ has to be taken into the darkness of sin that engulfs the hearts and lives of those who are not following Him. That’s the condition behind having this Light—that we follow Him. If we do not follow Him, we will not have this Light, this Truth, this eternal life.
One of the most discomforting experiences of life is darkness. Anytime one finds himself in gross darkness, it naturally comes with fundamental challenges. Darkness naturally blinds a person, causes loss of vision, breeds fear, stirs up confusion, and becomes a conducive atmosphere for evil and wickedness to prevail. That is why darkness is synonymous with evil, wickedness, lack of vision, and confusion. There is a kind of darkness worse off than physical darkness and that is the darkness of one’s soul.
Isaiah prophesied about how the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ would bring Light to all nations; especially, darkened cities such as Zebulun and Naphtali. The darkness of these two aforementioned cities was because of the wrath of God against them. They had wallowed in sinful pride and were bound to face destruction; that was the darkness. Their darkness was the devastating impact of Satan and sin at work in their lives.
Precious one, it will be an absolute error for us to celebrate the Light of the world whereas we all are filled with darkness. Jesus is the shining Light of hope, glory, vision, peace, and righteousness in this world of distress, shame, blindness, strife, and moral corruption. The world is glooming in darkness. He is our example and focus for eternal life. Be inspired today; no matter the darkness that surrounds us, JESUS IS THE LIGHT OF OUR WORLD.
PRAYER
Dear Lord Jesus Christ. Please lighten my life with Your Glory today; as I celebrate Your birth and life in this season.
Thank You, Jesus, Amen.
QUESTION FOR MEDITATION
Is there any darkness of sin or satanic influence in my life? How can I access the Light of Christ to deal with it?
