In the Gospel of John, Jesus, our Savior, uses a series of metaphors to describe himself. The Verse of the Day for December 4, 2017 provides one of those direct comparisons which begin with “I am. . .” occurring in John 8:12 (KJV):
Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.
The New Living Testament puts it this way:
[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 other biblical references also speak of Jesus Christ in terms of light. The first chapter of John opens with this reference to light:
John 1:6-9 (NKJV):
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.
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.
As the season approaches celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ, the lyrics to the familiar gospel song sung so often during this time of the year come to mind: Jesus, the Light of the World”:
Jesus, the Light of the World
We’ll walk in the Light, beautiful Light.
Come where the dewdrops of mercy shine bright.
Shine all around us by day and by night,
Jesus, the Light of the worldHark! The herald angels sing;
Jesus, the Light of the world.
“Glory to the newborn King;’
Jesus, the Light of the world.Joyful, all ye nations rise,
Jesus, the Light of the world.
Join the triumph of the skies;
Jesus, the Light of the world.Christ, by highest heav’n adored;
Jesus, the Light of the world.
Christ the everlasting Lord;
Jesus, the Light of the world.Hail the heav’n-born Prince of Peace!
Jesus, the Light of the world.
Hail the Sun of Righteousness!
Jesus, the Light of the world.
Matt Redman offers a contemporary worship song entitled “Light of the World”
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.