Light of the World
By Jeannine Sawall
“I have come into the world as a
light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness.”
John 12:46 (NIV)
Christmas
is undoubtedly my favorite season. It’s not because of the gifts or shopping,
parties or plans, but because of the lights. Everywhere you look, there is the
added sparkle of Christmas lights. Candles burn on mantles, icicle lights
shimmer in the snow, ornaments reflect a thousand points of light as they
dangle off the Christmas tree, even the heavens seem to declare the glory of
that Silent Night with crisp, clear skies alight with the twinkling of millions
of stars. Darkness is dispelled as the world is aglow in shiny celebration of
the season.
And as
the world celebrated Christmas by displaying the glow and shimmer of all kinds
of lights, God celebrated by sending Jesus, the Light of the Word. “The light
shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it” (John 1:5). Jesus is the Light who shines in
the darkness that is too often life.
In the
midst of our Christmas celebrations, we may have found ourselves dealing with
the pain, fear, and despair that life sometimes brings. Jesus lights up our
lives with love and hope. When we find that we’ve lost our way or are stumbling
around in the darkness, Jesus’ light provides an open path to follow. If we
feel overwhelmed and can’t see straight, the Light of the World illuminates our
situation so we can gain a better perspective. Maybe the busy-ness of all that
occurred this season has obscured your vision, and you can’t see past the long
list of things you didn’t quite finish or still need to do before everything is
packed away. Allow Jesus to clear your vision and see the real reason you
celebrate once again. Jesus’ light, the ultimate Christmas light, shines
forever, leading the world out of darkness and into life with God.
As
this holiday season draws to a close, as you enjoy the many Christmas lights
still shining in the darkness, take a moment and reflect on Jesus, the real
Light of Christmas. Allow the glory of His coming to clear your head of all the
distractions and busy-ness that take your focus off Jesus, and bask in the glow
of His love and care for you. He has come so that we would no longer be in
darkness, but alive in the Light of His wonderful glory and grace.
GOING
DEEPER:
1. Is
there a situation in your life that makes you feel as if you are in a place of
darkness? How might His light offer hope to you in this area?
2. Has
the busy-ness of this past season caused you to lose focus? Allow the Light of
the World to clear your vision and begin to celebrate Him!
FOR
FURTHER READING:
Jeannine is a wife and mother of four great
boys. She works in the property management business. Jeannine serves in several
behind-the-scenes ministries at Oakwood and has a heart for those who are
grieving.
