1 John 1:5 “This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.”
Christmas lights brighten everything! We are now in the time of year where the days are shorter. The sun sets earlier and rises later, so often we find ourselves going to work in the dark and coming home in the same. It can get a little depressing. But somehow the dazzling display of holiday lighting all over town lifts the spirits. The presence of light renders the darkness less gloomy.
I have never been one to hang myriads of lights all over the exterior of our house. For one, our old farmhouse is super tall and it would take a very long ladder and lots of maneuvering to attach the strings to the eaves, but I’m also a simpler decorator. I love a single candle winking in every window and white lights on the tree shining through the window as I drive down our lane. But even the smallest gleams make a big difference as they welcome my arrival.
That’s the way it is with darkness. It disappears in the presence of light. The only way to miss it would be to close your eyes. But that is what a lot of people do.
The Apostle John revealed to his readers that God is light and in Him is no darkness at all. Those who have fellowship with God walk in the light of His presence. This light transforms their lives because the blood of Jesus cleanses them from sin. Christ’s life is the light of men. John was qualified to testify of this because he physically walked, talked, and touched Jesus in a way that we can’t. Those who walk in this light by obeying God leave the realm of darkness and begin to reflect God’s characteristics of goodness, righteousness, and truth. This fellowship with God produces a great inner joy despite the circumstances around them.
Sadly, there are others who choose to close their eyes to God’s light. The darkness has blinded them to the truth. They love the gloomy obscurity because it allows them to continue in their evil deeds. They think they will stay hidden and not be exposed. But these individuals miss so much! They have no fellowship with God and refuse the inheritance of the Kingdom of Christ. They are left trying to make sense of a messed up world with no way home in the gloomy shadows.
Light and darkness are important themes in Scripture. They represent the difference between those who are God’s children and those who are not. And Christmas is the perfect time to reflect on these truths. Jesus Christ, the Son of God is light, and in Him is no darkness at all. So as you find yourself navigating through the short, gloomy days of the winter solstice keep your eyes open for the true Christmas Light. He really does brighten everything!
Love,
Mama
