Scripture Reading: John 1:4-5
In him was life, and that life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood it.
Devotional: In the Gospel of John, Light and Life are joined together as ways to describe the Word, Jesus Christ, and the life of any who have faith in him.
Real life, a life that is not determined by sin and death, is God's hope and expectation for all who live in Christ Jesus, and in whom Christ lives. Real life is a life filled with Light, not just as a private experience, but for all who encounter one in whom there is true life.
Darkness poetically describes sin and death, terror, bewilderment and confusion. One could argue convincingly that this is the state of the world in the absence of the One who is the Light of the World. Darkness is the antithesis of Light and that which wills the destruction of Light and Life. With Light comes the potential for real life, sight, understanding, discernment and absolute allegiance to God who sent the Light and Life into this world.
We now know where Light and Life reside. It is not a location, it is a person, Jesus Christ, the Word of God.
The darkness not only does not understand Light and Life, but is determined to overcome it, and to conquer it. But the victory of the Light and Life in Jesus Christ is available to any who will accept Him as Lord and Savior, and invest all in Him.
This Advent, as we await the birth of the Light and Life of the World, could be the opportunity to see ourselves objectively and honestly. Are there areas of darkness and death in your life? Do they appear to be powerful and unconquerable? Jesus Christ, the Life and Light of the World, stands ready to illumine and revitalize any aspect of your life. There is no hope in darkness. There is new eternal life in the Light of the World. Just ask, trust and obey.
Prayer: Come, Lord Jesus.
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