The Verse of the Day for December 4, 2022, provides another metaphor Jesus uses to describe himself occurring in John 8:12 in the New Living Testament:
[Jesus, the Light of the World] 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.”
A number of biblical references speak of Jesus Christ in terms of light. The first chapter of John opens with this reference to light:
There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. 7 This man came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all through him might believe. 8 He was not that Light but was sent to bear witness of that Light. 9 That was the true Light which gives light to every man coming into the world. (John 1:6-9)
One of the remarkable aspects of light is that light dispels darkness. If the smallest candle can dispel or penetrate the depths of darkness, how much greater is the light provided by “the light of the world.” Concerning the coming Messiah, it was prophesied that “those who sat in darkness have seen a great light.” Indeed, those who follow Jesus will not walk in darkness but will have the light of life.
Today, November 4, 2022, is the second Sunday of Advent, the season celebrating the Earthly birth of Jesus Christ, as well as preparation and anticipation of the second coming of Christ. During this time of year, I think of the following poem, an original psalm, dedicated to a group of missionaries who were sent to local areas to carry the light and introduce Jesus Christ:
Light of the World
“You are the light of the world. A city that is set on
a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do men light a lamp,
and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand;
and it gives light to all who are in the house.
Let your light so shine before men, that they
may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.”
Matthew 5:14-16
A call comes ringing. . .
The light that from creation split the dark
still shines today. The same sun that once graced
Eden’s green place still warms the earth each day.
Without the light, there is no life, no hope
For growth, no power to live and give birth.
Without the light, there is only the night
To swallow the land and smother all life.
Somewhere someone sits in darkness, crying. . .
Send the light. . .
The love of Christ constrains us to go forth,
To shine as beacons and carry the love,
To offer shelter from stormy places,
To light the path of everyone who longs
To be at home in God’s family room.
Send the light. . .
With torch held high, let us stand upon the Rock:
a lantern, a lampstand, a beacon, a lighthouse,
a city set on a hill that cannot be hid
Let it shine. . .
Though the darkness thickens, let our lights shine.
Let us speak God’s Word and echo God’s voice that
First spoke light into being, commanding it to shine
So let it shine. . .
So let it shine. . .
So let it shine. . .
forever more.
The lyrics to the familiar gospel song sung so often during this time of the year also come to mind: “Jesus, the Light of the World.”
Isaac Cates and Ordained offer a moving rendition of this classic gospel number featuring Margaret Rainey and Kami Woodard to close out the second Sunday in Advent.
The photo is of Cabo de Palos or Cape Palos, a cape in the Spanish municipality of Cartagena, in the region of Murcia. The lighthouse which began operating in 1865 illustrates the power of light to overcome the darkness of night.
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