© 2017 Dr. Royce C. Smith

Dec.1 3 �

John 1:4-5

“In Him (Jesus) was life, and the life was the Light of men. The Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.”For some people, putting up Christmas lights is one of their least favorite parts of Christmas, as they have to climb up and down a ladder, figure out which strands are still working and which are not, and try to remember where they put the replacement bulbs from last Christmas. But even after all this, when the moment of truth arrives and they plug in the cord that first night, it ’s so gratifying to see light shining out of darkness! In John 1, we read that “Jesus was life.” This word ‘life’ means ‘zoe’ or spiritual life, the life of God in a human. Jesus’ life was so real and engaging that it was light to all who met Him with open hearts.

Not only was Jesus life, but He was also “the Light of men.” In Colossians 1:12-14, Paul tells us “…Joyously give thanks to the Father, who has qualified us to share in the inheritance of the saints in Light. For He (God the Father) rescued us from the domain of darkness, and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son (Jesus), in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.” Jesus, by His coming to earth, living righteously, dying for our sins, and rising victoriously, has brought us from spiritual darkness and death into everlasting life and light. Why? So we can now multiply His life and light into the world. While Jesus was here, He was the light. Now that He lives in us as Christians, we have His light shining in us!

In Matthew 5:14-16, Jesus explains, “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.”

Notice His strong words: “You are.” There is no debate here. If you are filled with Jesus, you are the light, and not just to your own small circle of family and friends, but to the whole world. You “cannot be hidden” or “put under a basket.” Darkness must flee before you, and that requires you to be burning brightly with the light of Jesus within you. Jesus saves the best for last: when Jesus lives in you and burns brightly within you, you will evidence this by living your life doing what He did when He walked the earth, doing good deeds for others. And when they see Jesus living and burning brightly in you, they will glorify your Father in heaven, meaning they too will come to know Jesus as Savior through your testimony. Wow! As you enjoy the Christmas lights this year in your neighborhood or along the San Antonio Riverwalk, remember that you too are to shine brightly, do good works, and invite others to know the Jesus who lives and shines in you!