THE GIFT OF LIGHT

“…was life, and that life was the light of men. [But there’s more] the light shines in the darkness and the darkness has not [overcome] it…” (John 1:4-5)

For through Jesus “…all things were made…” (John 1:3); through Jesus we know the one true God, who now qualifies us “…to share in the inheritance of the…kingdom of light. For [through Jesus, God] has rescued us from the dominion of darkness [bringing] us into the kingdom of the Son he loves…” (Colossians 1:12-14).

Sure as John notes: though the world was made through Jesus, “….the world [in many cases] did not recognize [Jesus; the depression and darkness won]…”

“Yet” – John goes on to say. “to all who did receive him, to those who believed his name, he gave the right to become children of God…” (John 1:12) – or in the fresh translation of Eugene Peterson, the opportunity “…to be their true selves, their child of God selves…” (John 1:12, The Message)

Realize: Not Everything That Shines Is Saintly

“…Satan… [often] masquerades as an angel of light…” (2 Corinthians 11:14)

“And the devil… showed [Jesus] all the Kingdoms of the world and their splendor… [But Jesus said] “Away from me Satan. For it is written ‘Worship the Lord…and serve him only.” (Matthew 4:8-10) And “…the devil left him” (Matthew 4:11).

“…angels [God’s angels] came and attended him…” (Matthew 4:11)

Walk In The Light, Basking In The Promises of God.

• Isaiah 7:14 tells us that God in Christ will be “up close and personal,” Immanuel; indeed Christmas confirms: God in Christ is “up close and personal,” Immanuel. (Matthew 1:23)

• Psalm 45:6-7 tells us that God in Christ will be anointed and eternal; indeed Christmas confirms: God in Christ is anointed and eternal (Luke 1:33)

• Isaiah 9:1-2 tells us that God in Christ will be a bright light, bringing light to His people; indeed Christmas confirms: God in Christ is a bright light bringing light to His people (John

1:4-5)

“…the people walking in darkness have [indeed] seen a great light” to quote Isaiah. “…On those living in the land of the shadow of death, a light has dawned…” (Isaiah 9:2)

To be precise: we must “…walk… [in]…the light…before the darkness overtakes [us]….” (John 12:35); translated: before we stumble and fall.

“…the man who walks in the dark does not know where he is going. [So] put your trust in the light while you still have it so that you may become sons of light…” (John 12:36)

Send The Light, The Blessed Gospel Light

“…If we walk in the light as he is in the light we have fellowship with one another…” (1 John 1:7)

“…Jesus Christ laid

down his life for us. And [so] we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers. [To be precise] if anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need, but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him? Dear children [of God, of Light] let us not love with words…but with actions…” (1 John 3:16-18)

For like Jesus, we’re called to “…lay down our lives for our brothers…” (I John

3:16); to not only walk in the light, but to share the light in tangible, enlivening ways. For Jesus “…was life,” John reminds us “…and that life was the light of men; all men, all women, even those tossed to the sidelines of life.