Today’s Reading: John 1:14-18
LIFE, LIGHT and LOVE – three powerful words that describe our Lord and Savior. We are able to experience these three gifts because of the presence of Christ in our life, the presence of the Word.
In the beginning the Word already existed.
The Word was with God, and the Word was God.
He existed in the beginning with God.
God created everything through him, and nothing was created except through him.
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 1:1-5
JESUS, THE WORD, GIVES US LIGHT.
Just as God spoke light into existence at creation, Jesus brought light when he came into the very world he created. Jesus – the true light – came into a world that had been darkened by sin in order to cast his light into the world he created.
The one who is the true light, who gives light to everyone, was coming into the world. – John 1:9
So the Word became human and made his home among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness. And we have seen his glory, the glory of the Father’s one and only Son. – John 1:14
Through Jesus Christ we experience the unfailing love and faithfulness of God. We come to know the God who created us through the Son who died for us, and then have the blessing of His Spirit that lives in us.
No one has ever seen God. But the unique One, who is himself God, is near to the Father’s heart. He has revealed God to us. – John 1:18
Jesus spoke to the people once more and 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
JESUS, THE WORD, IS LIGHT.
I am so thankful that the light of Jesus led me to an understanding of God’s plan for my life. His light shines in the darkness so that we can see beyond the sinful options of this world and see the difference He can make in our lives. The same God who created light in the beginning, when all was dark, is the God who sent the Word to become the light of the world. His light shines brightly in the lives of those around us, giving us hope for our own salvation.
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
JESUS, THE WORD, SHINES IN THE DARKNESS.
Jesus replied, “My light will shine for you just a little longer. Walk in the light while you can, so the darkness will not overtake you. Those who walk in the darkness cannot see where they are going. Put your trust in the light while there is still time; then you will become children of the light.” After saying these things, Jesus went away and was hidden from them. – John 12:35-36
In what ways can we choose to walk in the light today? There is so much darkness around us — darkness on the daily news, darkness in politics, darkness in social media, darkness in the hearts of our friends and neighbors. With this darkness comes loneliness, grief, hopelessness, and pain. The One who created light has a plan to be the light in our lives for those who are hurting. This changes the way we see our day. Is this just another day, or is this the opportunity to let His holiness shine in our lives, bringing hope to everyone we come in contact with.
Lord, we give you our day and ask that your light will shine brightly for us to see your plan. Give us clarity when we have decisions to make and give us eyes to see the pain of those around us. Help us to show joy and cast hope into the lives of others. May the words of our mouths and the brightness of our hearts help someone else see YOU today. Jesus, we choose to walk in your light and shine for others, just as you are shining for us. Amen.