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Stalactites hung from the ceiling in weird formations, and stalagmites rose in uneven clusters from the cave floor. The excited children on our field trip crowded around the guide. “I'm going to turn the lights off now,” he announced. All of a sudden, the whole cave was plunged into darkness, a blackness thick and complete. No one could see a thing! No one even saw his hand in front of his face! All that was heard were gasps and a few nervous giggles. Allowing the children to savour the experience for several long seconds, the guide finally flicked the switch once again, flooding the cave with light.
With a flick of the light switch, the tour guide dispelled the darkness. On a grander scale and with a word, “Let there be light” (Genesis 1:3 NLT) God spoke light into the darkness at Creation.
“The Word gave life to everything that was created, and his life brought light to everyone. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it.” (John 1:4,5 NLT)
- Jesus, the Creator, the Word, created life; He is life. He said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life.” (John 14:6 NLT) That life brings light to us humans, His creation. One dark night, as the shepherds heard the angel's announcement of Jesus' birth, they experienced the light of the glory of God shining all around them, piercing the darkness. Throughout the ages, Jesus continues to bring His light, His revelation to us, through His Holy Spirit.
- The light shines in the darkness. In the light, we see ourselves as we really are, and see our need for a Saviour, one who is able to dispel the darkness of our sin. We do not have to live in our darkness. We can choose to enter the light and choose Jesus as the Saviour who overcomes darkness.
- As we follow Jesus, the true light, we have guidance on the path of life. We know where to walk without stumbling. We know how to live: “Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path.” (Psalm 119:105 NLT)
- A flashlight lights up a small circle in the darkness before us as we walk on a dark path. In the same way, God's Word illuminates our understanding with the insight we need for our challenge of the moment. He gives us guidance in small increments, as we ask Him for specific needs. We don't need to see the whole picture, but God gives us the understanding we need at the time.
- The darkness of this world and of our sin can never extinguish the True Light. God's light in Jesus is more powerful than all our sin, and more powerful than the darkness of our world.
- Our part is to embrace the light, and walk, that is live, in the illumination and understanding that God's light brings.
“Let us walk in the light of the Lord.” (Isaiah 2:5 NLT)
Alice Burnett
Red Deer, Alberta, Canada
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