December 2

Jesus, The Light Of The World

Once again, Jesus spoke to the people and said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows Me will never walk in the darkness, but will have the light of life.” — John 8:12 BSB

The star Sirius is so far away that its light, traveling at 186,000 miles per second, takes eight years to reach us. Yet its brightness can dazzle astronomers as if they were looking at the sun. If the light of a created star is so powerful, how much more the One of whom it is said, “God is light, and in Him there is no darkness at all”? We can live and work in His light and have fellowship with Him!

Years ago, a chimney sweep who attended my church sang in our choir, his face shining with the love of God on Sundays. But after a day’s work, his face would be so covered with grime that he was nearly unrecognizable—except for the clear, bright pupils of his eyes. No matter how dirty his surroundings, his eyes remained clean, protected by his eyelashes and tear ducts. This reminds me of what the Apostle meant by “the blood of Jesus Christ cleanses us from all sin.” Just as Jesus taught when He washed the disciples' feet, those who are cleansed still need their feet washed.

Our goal should be to walk in the light as God is in the light. Even when we are surrounded by those who do not know Him, our hearts can shine with His love. Our fellowship with God can remain unbroken, even in the midst of sin and failure, because of the continual cleansing of Christ's blood.

Prayer

Lord, fill me with Your light and joy, so I can share it with my home, friends, and the world around me. Keep me from hiding my light under the weight of my own worries. Amen.