Light Overcoming Darkness
We are coming to the end of another year and the Christmas season and a house full of family fun. These are always times that we anticipate for a long time and when they arrive, they seem to fly by. We trust that your holiday season has been filled with memories and special times. We are looking forward to what the coming year holds and trust you are as well.
BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…. The earth was formless and empty, and darkness covered the deep water. The Spirit of God was hovering over the water. Then God said, “Let there be light!” So there was light. Genesis 1:2,3 GW
The theme is consistent and not without significance. Darkness represents a world, life and existence devoid of God. Light represents the introduction of God’s presence and creative power into a lifeless and dark existence.
In Genesis we see a dark earth and the first act of creation is light. Light that makes creation and newness possible. In Revelation we read, “There will be no more night. They will not need the light of a lamp or the light of the sun, for the Lord God will give them light.” (Revelation 22:5 NIV)
We read in John’s first epistle, “God is light; in him there is no darkness at all.” (1 John 1:5 NIV) It is no accident and communicates a powerful and meaningful message that Christ’s birth shattered the night skies. Angels appearing to shepherds at night, wise men following a star. John in his gospel declares concerning Christ’s birth, “The real light, which shines on everyone, was coming into the world. “ (John 1:9 GW)
This “dark” condition is the description of every life outside of Christ. Paul put it in these words, “For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light.” (Ephesians 5:8 NIV)
God’s light (His truth, love, grace and forgiveness) brings new life and new creation to every heart and life that allows it to shine into the darkness of ones spiritual existence.
God’s light provides the plumb line for our attitudes and actions in life. The question that confronts us is, “are we living our life according the the light of God or the darkness of the world?”
God’s light challenges us to continually to allow the light of God’s truth and work of His Spirit to shine in the “dark corners” of our life.
God’s light provides life, hope, newness and direction. When we receive it and embrace it, we experience the best the Lord has for our life. That might make a good New Year’s resolution. To live full in the light of God’s life.