December 1

Walking In The Light

And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light. — Gen 1:3 BSB

For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light, — Eph 5:8 BSB

St. Paul refers to the passage in Genesis when he says, “God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, has shined in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.” He seems to be reflecting on his own experience on the road to Damascus when the light shone, and he saw the face of Jesus. It was as though he had gone through a period of chaos, resisting conviction, until God finally said, “Let there be light.” In that unforgettable moment, he saw the glory of God in the face that looked upon him with indescribable love. Light replaced darkness, and peace replaced the storm.

This is the work of the Holy Spirit in our hearts. He leads us out of darkness, reveals Christ to us, and glorifies Him in our lives. His goal is to make Jesus the center of our faith as we walk in the light.

When I was in Tasmania, I saw a mountain range with a vast lake on top. Its overflow created a waterfall a thousand feet high, and the energy generated from the waterfall was used to produce electricity for factories and homes. This reminded me of the love of God, eager to bless mankind. The waterfall represented Christ’s incarnation, and the electric current illustrated the invisible but powerful work of the Holy Spirit, bringing the light and power of God to our lives. Just as machinery is adapted to receive electricity, so we must adjust our lives to receive and transmit the power and light of God through our union with Jesus.

Prayer

Holy Spirit, help us to walk in the light of Your presence. Fill our hearts with the sense of Your nearness and love. Guide our steps, and walk with us, for in You there is no darkness. Amen.