Read John 1:1–18
‘The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.’ (v5)
One of the notable things about Christmas is the enormous array of lights that go on display in shops and streets.
In many roads, people can become quite competitive as they seek to ‘outshine’ their neighbours’ displays!
Indeed, once Christmas is over and the lights are taken down, the once bright shops, homes and streets can look dull by comparison.
John’s Gospel starts by telling us about a great ‘light’ that came into the world that very first Christmas – Jesus.
Into this dark world, ‘The light [shone]’ (v5). Yet this was no ordinary light, this was the Light of life (v4).
As we celebrate Jesus, the Light of the world, we too are called to reflect and point to the Light (v8).
In this world of darkness and uncertainty, with rising costs, wars and uprisings, even the smallest light can be visible.
In Matthew 5, Jesus tells us, ‘You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead, they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven’ (vv14–16).
May the light of Christ shine through us throughout and beyond the season’s celebrations.
This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine, This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine, This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine, everyday, everyday, everyday in every way, I’m gonna let my little light shine. Anon.
A PRAYER TO MAKE:
‘Lord, help me to shine for You in this world of darkness and uncertainty. Amen.’
AN ACTION TO TAKE:
How might we reflect Christ’s light to those around us?
SCRIPTURE TO CONSIDER:
Isa. 60:1–22; Prov. 13:9; Matt. 5:13–16; Phil. 2:12–18
Photo by Alisa Anton on Unsplash
