The one who is the true light, who gives light to everyone, was coming into the world. John 1:9 (NLT)

The beginning of John’s Gospel is filled with references to the Light. The Word through the life of Christ brought light to everyone, and the light shines in the darkness (V4, 5). John the Baptist prepared the way for the light and once again we see that the light is for everyone.

The fact that verse nine tells us that he is the “True Light,” implies that there are also false lights. Paul tells us: …Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. 2 Corinthians 11:14 (CSB). It can be easy to take light for granted. We flip a switch and we have light. Often, it is only the absence of light that forces us to consider its importance.

Consider the following characteristics of light:

• The closer we are to the source, the brighter light appears.
• Light reveals. The brighter the light, the greater the revelation.
• Light reflects more clearly from a clean surface.
• Light exposes imperfections yet remains untouched by them.
• Walking away from light creates a shadow and we walk in darkness.
• Walking toward the light brings illumination.
• Light and darkness are incompatible.

God used a great light to point the way to Bethlehem. However, that light was pale in comparison to the Light that was found in the manger. Jesus spoke to the people once more and said, “I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.” John 8:12 (NLT)

Jesus is the true light. We either walk in his light or we stumble in darkness.

The Light Shined in the Darkness

The people who walk in darkness will see a great light. For those who live in a land of deep darkness, a light will shine. Isaiah 9:2 (NLT)

The prophet Isaiah predicted that people walking in darkness would see a great light. However, reactions to the light varied greatly. The shepherds and the Magi pursued the light to Bethlehem and bowed down and worshiped “the light of the world.”

Conversely, the appearance of the light disturbed King Herod. He did everything in his power to extinguish the light. John would later explain: This is the judgment: The light has come into the world, and people loved darkness rather than the light because their deeds were evil. John 3:19 (CSB)

The true light that appeared in Bethlehem is pure and holy. It illuminates the path for those who love it. It exposes the deeds of darkness to all who reject the light. King Herod saw The Light as a threat to his power. The light is rejected, not because people do not know and recognize the light, but because they love darkness more than the light.

In Romans, Paul declares that God is rejected by people, not because there is a shortage of illumination: For his invisible attributes, that is, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen since the creation of the world, being understood through what he has made. As a result, people are without excuse. Romans 1:20 (CSB)

For those who desire to walk in the light, it is difficult to understand why anyone would prefer the darkness. In darkness, people stumble, they cannot see the danger in front of them. It is cold and lonely in the dark, yet so many choose to live in darkness when the light is available.

Let It Shine

But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his possession, so that you may proclaim the praises of the one who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. 1 Peter 2:9 (CSB)

As Christ-followers, we not only have the privilege of walking in the light, but we are also ambassadors of the light. In the same way that the light entered our lives, and changed us, we become agents of illumination. We must position ourselves in such a way that those who are in darkness will see The Light.

Jesus declared: Your light must shine before people in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven. Matthew 5:16 (NASB 2020). We must never be afraid to let our light shine. Jesus warned us against hiding our light.

It is crucial that we allow our light to shine brightly. Through thick and thin, keep your hearts at attention, in adoration before Christ, your Master. Be ready to speak up and tell anyone who asks why you’re living the way you are, and always with the utmost courtesy. 1 Peter 3:15 (MSG)

Joel declared: Thousands upon thousands are waiting in the valley of decision. There the day of the Lord will soon arrive. Joel 3:14 (NLT). We encounter people every day who are in a valley of decision. We must be certain that The Light shines and is reflected in our lives. John the Baptist testified that he was not the light. John was responsible for guiding others to the True Light, a duty we share.

Follow That Star

Yet I am writing you a new command, which is true in him and in you, because the darkness is passing away and the true light is already shining. 1 John 2:8 (CSB)

Light cannot coexist with darkness. There is no place for compromise. There is only one way to escape the darkness: I have come as light into the world, so that everyone who believes in me would not remain in darkness. John 12:46 (CSB)

My aspiration is for my life, as well as anyone who will listen to me, to serve as a guiding light, much like the star of Bethlehem. It is important to note that the star’s primary purpose was not self-promotion, but rather to direct individuals toward the Savior, who is the True Light.

Steve Ekeroth