Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” John 8:12
This is the season in which we celebrate Jesus as the light of the world. Sadly we have recently been reminded that this world is in desperate need of light. As Christians, it’s our responsibility to carry forth the message about light and darkness. There is a troublesome tendency to be vague about both; even in this special season.
Let’s make sure we are all on the same page. The darkness we refer to is SIN. It’s not some general evilness. Sin is personal. We are sinners. That brings darkness. Sin is a societal problem only because everyone in society is a sinner. Society itself is not the sinner and not the darkness. Inanimate objects are not the darkness. Guns can be used to kill the innocent or those endangering the innocent. Sickness is not the darkness. Most sin is pretty sick; but it’s the sin that’s the problem. It’s sin that’s the darkness.
We need to be just as specific about the light as we are about the darkness. JESUS is the light. It’s not a generalized spirit of “good will.” It’s not even a “Christmas” spirit. We are not going to all of a sudden be good and start loving each other. The light brings forgiveness, and salvation and the POWER to be good. Only Jesus does that, not Budda or Mohammed or Obama. Only Jesus.
Jesus spoke plainly: “I am the light of the world.” If you look for light in any other person, place or thing, you look in vain. Spread some light this Christmas. You can’t do it with just a smile or just a gift or just a “Merry Christmas.” Share all those things, but with them share Jesus.
Be blessed.
Nick
Be the first to reply