READ: JOHN 1: 1-14
The one who is the true light, who gives light to everyone, was coming into the world. (V. 9)
Every police officer knows that the cloak of darkness tends to enhance criminal tendencies to engage in violent behavior (Murder, Rape, Aggravated Assault etc.). The rational for this is simple, darkness helps conceal your identity and actions and can help you avoid accountability. We try to evade our responsibility for our sins just like criminals try to evade accountability for their conduct by embracing the darkness. Akin to Adam and Eve, we try to hide our stash our sins away in a dark closet or corner thinking it will be safe from God’s detection and judgement. We dismiss the fact that he brought life giving light to everything in creation and that His sovereignty and omnipresence guarantee that nothing we do will stay in the dark for long. Despite our best efforts to escape from the darkness of sin, we find ourselves ensnared in the firm grip of its tentacles. Paul accurately captured our true condition in Romans 7: 25, writing how miserable he was living a life in the darkness of the sin and death of this world. The story does not end there, for hope is found in the “True Light” that is Jesus Christ.
Jesus, who was with God when everything was created, including each of us, came down to live among us (Immanuel) at Christmas. Through his life, ministry, death and resurrection that dark power of sin was broken once and for all. He enabled us to see that we are truly sinners who would be hopeless without him as our Savior. Jesus is the only one who can illuminate our path out of spiritual darkness. The blinding light of his truth boldly shows us the way to salvation and to becoming children of God. By following his “True Light,” we have the confident assurance that when we stumble and fall, as we are sure to do, we can confess and repent in the light of his love. Then we will experience forgiveness, mercy and grace as Jesus removes the dark veil of sin from our lives. Indeed, the darkness can never extinguish the “True Light of the World”—Jesus!
PAUSE FOR REFLECTION AND PRAYER
Jesus is the “True Light” that came down at Christmas to illuminate a world engulfed by sin, decay and darkness. The redeeming light of the Babe of Bethlehem, whose love, sacrifice, mercy and grace broke the power of darkness in our lives, is waiting for your bidding to actively light up your life. White altar and advent candles reflect the pure transforming light of Christ which the darkness can never extinguish.
Dear Jesus, I confess I am a sinner and ask you to enter my life today.