Jesus Light Of The World

It’s Christmas and we have come to the most important person in the Christmas story, Jesus. There are many aspects of Jesus’ life and ministry we could consider. Since lights are such a dominant part of Christmas, let’s consider what it means when the Bible calls Jesus light of the world. Let’s start with what Jesus says about Himself. John 8:12

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.”  

Jesus is the light of the world. Let’s consider five different aspects of what the Bible means when it calls Jesus light of the world. First, light illuminates things. We need light when it’s dark so we can see. If the power were to go out and it were totally dark, you’d need help finding your way. We’ve all tried to walk in the dark and paid the price, a stubbed toe or banged up knee. Jesus came into a spiritually dark world. John 3:19 says,

And this is the judgment: the light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the light because their works were evil.

The Bible associates sin with darkness and good with light. Without Jesus people naturally will follow a path of darkness, a path of sin. Jesus came to change all that. Second, light gives clarity. Light helps us to see things in a general way but it also helps us to see details we would otherwise miss. Having enough light to walk through your garage without banging into something doesn’t mean you have enough light to read. There are many different kinds of lights you can purchase these days. One that has become common is a light you wear on your head. That light is helpful for those who are working on things in tight places. That kind of light enables you to focus it where you need it. Jesus lived a sinless life for all to see. His life demonstrated the wonder and glory and power of God. Anyone who compares his or her life with Jesus sees the places where our lives fall short. When we let Jesus’ light shine on us, we see ourselves as we truly are, sinners in need of a Savior. Third, light gives direction. When you’re lost in the woods having a flashlight will only help you so much. It will help you so you don’t trip and fall, but it won’t point you in the direction you need to go. You can still go the wrong way. There is a kind of light that gives direction, a lighthouse. A bright beacon, resting firmly in one place, giving a stable point of reference and direction and even warning to all who see it. Matthew 4:16 quoting Isaiah tells us,

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.

The point of Jesus being light isn’t so we can use Him for direction when we need it, it is for Him to give us light that leads to life. It’s for us to follow His light. Fourth, light is beautiful and fascinating. Every kid knows that. Give a kid a flashlight and what will happen within a few hours of getting it? The batteries will run down. You can tell children not to play with it, that they’re going to run out of power. It doesn’t do any good. It’s too much fun. On the Fourth of July it’s common to see kids with light sticks or glowing necklaces in many colors. What’s the big deal? I don’t know, it’s just fun. Speaking of the Fourth of July, aren’t fireworks beautiful lights?!   It’s true that Jesus is a bright light shining into our lives but He’s also a beautiful light. A light that gives joy and delight and peace and happiness to all who follow Him. 1 Peter 2:9 says,

But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.

Yes, Jesus gives us marvelous light in our life to enjoy! Think of all the beautiful Christmas lights around us. Aren’t they great? Don’t they make you smile? Yes and they should! They’re wonderful. The light of Jesus is wonderful. Jesus wants you to experience His marvelous light. Fifth, Jesus’ light never stops shining. Unlike the light from those flashlights we give the kids or candles that burn down, Jesus’ light never stops shining! The only question is, will we choose the light that Jesus offers us? Ephesians 5:13-14 says,

But when anything is exposed by the light, it becomes visible, for anything that becomes visible is light. Therefore it says, “Awake, O sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.”

It is on Christmas that we celebrate the coming of Jesus, the light of the world into the world. Let us give thanks for Jesus our light and let Him shine in us and through us! Merry Christmas!