LET THERE BE LIGHT- Jennifer Williams
Let there be light. With these first words, God’s very breath illuminated the deep darkness of formless and empty space.
Can you even imagine how dark that darkness would have been?
When I was a little girl, we lived in the country with no streetlights. On moonless nights, it was so dark! And, if we lost power, even deeper darkness. My mom would scramble to find matches and a candle on those nights. The one single flame lit up the entire room.
It only takes the tiniest bit of light to illuminate the darkness, then the darkness is not so dark at all.
Isaiah prophesied that: “The people who walk in darkness will see a great light. For those who live in the land of deep darkness, a light will shine.” (Isaiah 9:2)
Not only did God breathe light and life into the physical darkness, He breathed a great light and abundant life into spiritual darkness.
That light and life are found in Jesus.
It is no surprise that His birth announcement was delivered by angels wrapped in heavenly light, the radiance of God’s glory. News of great joy to ordinary shepherds out in the countryside that understood darkness.
“For God, who said, “Let there be light in the darkness,” has made this light shine in our hearts so we could know the glory of God that is seen in the face of Jesus Christ.” (2 Corinthians 4:6)
In the New Testament, the word light in Greek is phós which “primarily denotes light in both a literal and metaphorical sense. Literally, it refers to natural light, such as daylight or the light of a lamp. Metaphorically (symbolically), it is used to describe spiritual illumination, truth, and the divine presence of God.” (Strong’s)
Jesus journeyed from the cradle in Bethlehem to the cross on Calvary so that all who believe and trust in Him would no longer have to walk in spiritual darkness. (John 12:46)
Jesus said, “I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.” (John 8:12)
In this advent season, let us hurry like the shepherds with anticipation to see Jesus in the middle of our ordinary lives – all the plans and parties and presents. Let’s take time to find the greatest gift of the season — the Light of the World.
In what small ways can you and your family focus on Jesus – the Light of the World – in this season? Consider lighting advent candles or reading from an advent devotional.
Here’s a couple free resources available online:
https://www.bible.com/reading-plans/52890-go-in-peace-hope-for-advent/day/1
https://www.bible.com/reading-plans/22462-bibleproject-advent-reflections/day/1
https://www.bible.com/reading-plans/22538-family-christmas-a-devotional-for-kids