Receive 2

John 1:4-5

It is one of those fascinating facts of physics that no matter how dark a room may be, even a large room like the Sanctuary of a church, the light of a single candle can be seen from anywhere in the room. No matter how dark it gets the candle still offers light. In fact, the darker it is the brighter the candle will seem.

John has a few things to say about Jesus at the beginning of his book. What was the life that is in Jesus? What is the relationship with light and dark?

The most familiar translation of this passage uses the word “overcome” rather than “understood.” But both terms apply.

Jesus brought light into a dark world. He brought the light of wisdom and grace and mercy and love. The birth of Jesus was the beginning of hope for a people who had never known salvation before. Jesus was that small flame of love in the darkness of the world.

And that light shines brightly no matter how dark the world or our lives may seem. In fact, the darker things get in our life with troubles and stress and worry, the brighter the help of Christ may feel to us.

There is nothing the darkness – the evil and troubles of the world – can do to block out the light that Christ brings. Whether it is the light of love shining in the darkness of hate, or the light of wisdom shining in the darkness of ignorance, there is nothing the darkness can do to stop the light.

And the darkness of hate cannot overcome the light. And the darkness of ignorance and selfishness cannot understand the light that Jesus brings.

We are invited to be part of this great and wonderful light of love and comfort that Jesus brings. We are invited to help shine the light of God in the darkness of the world.

Let the light of Christ into your life this holiday and receive God’s love with great joy.

DAILY CHALLENGE: How will you shine the light of hope and mercy and love this holiday season?