August 11

The Life-Light

"What came into existence was Life, and the Life was Light to live by. The Life-Light blazed out of the darkness; the darkness couldn't put it out." John 1:4,5 (The Message)

When Jesus Christ came into this dark world, he was light: a light that blazed for those around him to see. His light reached out into the darkness to those who were hurting and gave them hope for the future. His light blazed, but not all could see it. Living in the darkness for so long had blinded some. Despite the fact that Jesus light shown brightly, they could not see it, nor did they wish to live in the light. They sought every opportunity they had to put out that light. They plotted and planned and eventually they thought they had won. They arrested him and sentenced him to the death of a cross. They were mistaken, though, for the darkness couldn't put out the light. As Christ's life slowly gave out on that cross, his light shown brighter than ever, though the darkness could not see it. When he drew his last breath, darkness encompassed the earth. Satan thought he had won but he was wrong. He did not have the power to put out that Light. When on the third day Jesus was resurrected, his Light blazed just as it had before, but it began to spread from one disciple to another and soon the whole earth was glowing. Jesus Christ is indeed the light of the world: a light that will never be extinguished, for darkness has no power over light!

Father, how we praise you for the Light of Christ Jesus! His Light shown on this darkened earth. It revealed our need for him as our Savior and it dispelled the darkness of sin. We thank you that Christ now dwells within us. May his light shine through our lives and dispel the darkness, that others might see him and know him and love him as we do. Let us be his light bearers, and may his light blaze in us! Amen.