Seeing the Light of the World

By Danny Saavedra

“In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.”—John 1:4–5 (NIV)

In John 1:9 (NIV), we read “The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world.” That’s the moment we celebrate at Christmas, when the Light Himself entered our darkness. Yet what does His light actually do? It allows us to see.

When Nicodemus, a respected teacher of Israel, came to Jesus one night, he was surrounded by darkness in more ways than one. He had knowledge, reputation, and position, but not sight. Jesus told him, “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again” (John 3:3–3 NIV, emphasis added). In other words, without the light, we’re blind to God’s reality. We can study, strive, and search all we want, but apart from Jesus, we’re simply stumbling around in the darkness.

Later, during the Feast of Tabernacles, a celebration where lamps were lit across Jerusalem to remember God’s guiding fire in the wilderness, Jesus stood before the crowds and declared, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life” (John 8:12 NIV). And then, in John 9:25 (NIV), that claim comes to life. Jesus heals a man born blind. The man opens his eyes for the first time and says, “One thing I do know. I was blind but now I see.” When Jesus later reveals Himself as the Son of God to this man, the man believes and worships. That’s the power of light . . it not only reveals, it transforms.

The same is true for us. The apostle Paul writes, “For God, who said, ‘Let there be light in the darkness,’ has made this light shine in our hearts so we could know the glory of God that is seen in the face of Jesus Christ” (2 Corinthians 4:6 NLT). Like John says, “We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth” (John 1:14 NIV).

And in light of this light that has opened our eyes, we can’t keep it to ourselves. John writes, “We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ” (1 John 1:3 NIV). Like the man born blind, we now have the privilege and responsibility to tell the world what we’ve seen. Why? Because “The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.” (2 Corinthians 4:4 NIV).

This Christmas season, remember what you’ve seen and go make it known. Tell the story of how the Light broke into your darkness. Tell how your eyes were opened. Go tell someone today, “The darkness of my heart has seen the light of the world . . . and now I never have to walk in darkness again. And neither do you!”

Put It To Practice: Sabbath

Sabbath is all about intentional rest. God established the Sabbath after finishing His work of creation, and He commanded us to keep the Sabbath holy as a set apart experience of resting in Him. Everyone rests differently! Whatever it may look like for you, practice Sabbath this weekend by doing something that brings you joy and honors God.

For the Family

Today’s Main Idea: The Light of the world lives in us, and we’re called to share Him with others.

Ask Together:

1. Who in our lives needs to hear about Jesus this Christmas?
2. How can we show them His love and light?

Prayer

Jesus, thank You for opening my eyes to see Your truth and glory. You are the Light that broke into my darkness and changed everything. This Christmas, help me reflect that light so others can see You through my words, actions, and love. Give me courage to share my story, and let my life point people to You—the true light of the world. I pray this in Your name, Jesus. Amen.