A Great Light

Read Isaiah 9:2-3

In the beginning God said, "Let there be light," and saw that it was good. Light was crucial for the rest of creation. Unfortunately, our sinfulness dimmed that light and darkness ruled the world. Isaiah was prophesying about a time when the true light, the source of all light would come breaking through the darkness. Indeed Jesus’ birth was announced by light, both as a bright star shining in the east and when the angels appeared to the shepherds ("the glory of the Lord shone round about them").

As John so eloquently states: "In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it" (John 1:4-5). Matthew also alludes to Isaiah this way: "The people dwelling in darkness have seen a great light, and for those dwelling in the region and shadow of death, on them a light has dawned" (Matthew 4:16). The gospel then comes in light and power bringing joy with it, and those who receive it rejoice. Today we celebrate the light of the world who humbled Himself among us so that we can call ourselves children of the Most High.

QUESTIONS:

1. How does the light help you to overcome the darkness in your life?

2. As believers we are to reflect the light of Christ. How is your light shining through? What can you do to increase it?

PRAYER:

Father, we thank and praise You for the gift of the gospel, the light that has broken through the darkness for our salvation. Amen

Helga Spence

Let there be Light

I had been told that the Book of Revelation is not something to fear--a scary story, but it is a love story.  This book is a story of the treasure awaiting you and me which has been provided by God, because of His great love for us.

We are guaranteed to partake in this treasure if our names are in this book.  As Believers, we know our name is there.

"The city does not need the sun or the moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and the Lamb is its lamp." (Revelation 21:23)

Imagine a world without the need of a night-light.  No more stumbling around in the darkness because the Light of the World surrounds us 24/7.  An exciting aspect of the life in Heaven is the picture I see of a bustling and busy world.  There is no sitting around contemplating stuff; there is joy, and peace and love everywhere.  A perpetual party of praise and thanksgiving, a joyous reunion of loved ones, and days filled with action and awesome, colorful, continuous relationships. 

The New Jerusalem will be a place where our memories and our love will still be who we are.  A great blessing will be that we are in the presence of God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit and our life will be complete. And bathed in the Light of the World.

Revelation 21:9-26