The Gift List That Mattersনমুনা

The Gift of Light

"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." John 8:12 (NLT)

As a vegetable gardener, I can tell you that the more hours of light you have, the bigger your crops will grow. For decades now, I've used a special light bulb for gardening called a grow light. It emits a certain kind of light that causes plants and trees to grow. You use it in areas where there isn't enough light for plants to survive. I planted young redwood trees on the shady side of my house years ago and used the grow lights on them until they got tall enough to get sunlight on their own. Today those trees are about 40 feet tall.

Light is the key to life. Every plant grows by photosynthesis, which is dependent upon light. Humans depend on light to see and for our bodies, our minds, and our world to function normally. No light, no power. No light, no growth. You can't live without light.

What's true of light in the physical realm is also true in the spiritual realm. On your dark days, when the sun is hidden and you can't see the light, you need the light of Jesus to change you for the better.

Do you want to know what your grow light is? It's God's Word. Studying God's Word will help you grow in your knowledge of God and love for him.

Ephesians 1:16-17 says, "I pray for you constantly, asking God . . . to give you spiritual wisdom and insight so that you might grow" (NLT). When you know God's Word, his light will flood your heart. Then you'll understand the wonderful future God has promised you.

In the Bible, light and life go hand in hand: "You are the giver of life. Your light lets us enjoy life" (Psalm 36:9 NCV).

Life is meant to be enjoyed, not merely endured, not just at Christmas but all year long. The key is to live in God's light.

That's why Jesus 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" (John 8:12 NLT).

Questions to Consider

·What is one way that God’s light—the Bible—has changed you?

·Why do you need to know the promises God has for you?

·Living in God's light requires staying in God's Word. What changes do you need to make so that you are consistently studying the Bible?