Everyone loves a light show. Whether it is a natural Aurora, or man-made ones like Sydney’s Vivid Light festival - or even our very own front-yard spectacular of fairy lights at Christmas.
In fact, lights at Christmas are a good reminder of how Jesus came as the “light of the world”.
And, as he himself tells us, “Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness but will have the light of life.” (John 8:12).
‘Darkness’ here is not merely the absence of light, but the pervasive presence of sin and evil in the world.
By being the light, Jesus offers the way out of the worst possible darkness.
The ‘light of life’ is the light of redemption, of salvation, of eternal life found in Jesus.
Jesus can make this promise because he has defeated the darkness of sin.
“In him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” (John 1: 4 & 5).
The light of Jesus overcomes the spiritual, sin-filled darkness of this world, so that all who believe in him no longer need to be burdened by the guilt and eternal consequences of their sin.
Instead, they can live in the light of the new life in him. This is a wonderful promise.
And Jesus tells us we too “are the light of the world” and to let our light shine before others so that they can see the good we do and praise God (Matt 5:14-16).
We have the great privilege to shine brightly so that people around us may also come to know the light of life in Jesus – the ultimate light show.
~ Contributed by Pastor Chris Taylor of the Deniliquin Baptist Church, on behalf of the Combined Churches of Deniliquin.
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