Christmas Devotional: "The true light that gives light..."

Let There Be Light

John 1:4,9

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Light is a prominent theme in scripture, one that first appears during the creation account. God introduced light into the physical realm untold millennia ago, and the record of that event is very impressive, perhaps because the account is so understated: "God said, "Let there be light," and there was light" (Gen 1:3). He did not have to build a generator, or connect to the local electric utility, or even flip a switch. The description is even shorter in Hebrew: "God said, 'Light be!' and light was."

This dramatic change from the darkness that existed previously, brought a host of benefits, some of which we have only recently discovered:

• Photosynthesis uses light to foster growth in plants.
• Photo-catalysis uses light and hydrogen to produce energy.
• Phototherapy uses light to treat medical and mental disorders. The list goes on. Evidently, God knew that light would be good for us.

How different the world would be had God skipped that step in the creative process or—worse—if suddenly you found yourself without it. Light has so many positive associations:

• Light connotes guidance: Turning on the light before you enter a room enables you to avoid things in your path that might otherwise make you stumble.
• Light connotes safety: A well-illuminated parking lot dispels the apprehension and fear you feel of what might be lurking.
• Light connotes hospitality: The end of the Motel 6 commercial—"We'll leave the light on for you"—hints that you will be welcome there. Life without light would be unpleasant, to say the least.

In addition to physical light, God also provides spiritual light, and life would be quite different if suddenly you found yourself without it. In a figurative sense, life without God is like being in darkness, lacking those positive associations.

• There would be no guidance. Unable to see past your nose, you could not navigate the path before you with any certainty.
• There would be no safety. Unknown dangers, some real, others imaginary, would prey on your fears.
• There would be no hospitality. When you arrive at the end of your journey, no one would welcome you. Life without God is like being in darkness, and far more than unpleasant.

The apostle John echoes Genesis in the opening of his gospel as he describes the coming of Jesus, whom he calls "the Word" and who brings us light.

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of men. (John 1:1-4)

Jesus makes life with God possible. His sacrifice on the cross offers forgiveness of sin to all who put their faith in him. They become children of God and receive all the benefits of light that relationship brings, including...

• It provides guidance, the help from One who knows everything about what lies before you,
• It provides safety, the assurance that nothing seen or unseen can harm you who belong to God.
• It provides hospitality, the joy of knowing that God Himself will welcome you at the end of life's journey.

In a sense, God said the same thing at Christmas as He did at creation—"Let there be light!"—and the same thing happened—there was light.

The true light that gives light to every man was coming into the world. (John 1:9)

Here as well, God knew that light would be good for us.

As you notice the prominence of light at this time of year— the various ways we employ that motif in our holiday celebration- remember what God did in sending His son.

Jesus said, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." (John 8:12)

May God grant His light to you this Christmas.