Read the Book: Fall Bible PlanSample

True Light

John 1:9-13

Like many young children, I was very scared of the dark. I was so scared that the word “bedtime” would trigger deep anxiety within me. I would try everything I could to fight off the dark. I tried listening to music and reading multiple books but nothing could stop the moment that I hated like no other. You see, my parents’ bedroom was adjacent to my bedroom so the light emanating from their room would slightly cut into the darkness of mine. I felt safe until they turned off their lights and darkness would envelop the whole house.

Thank goodness I am no longer afraid of the dark, but that memory from long ago is still so vivid. Thousands of years ago there was also darkness that enveloped the Hebrew people. There had been 400 years without any prophetic activity, no evidence of the promised Messiah, and now the Hebrew people were under the rule of an enemy state. The fading light was dim indeed. But then the “true light” of Jesus broke through. This true Light came but many did not know Him, even His own people. The darkness of sin can be so dark that it blinds people to the light that is inches away.

Thankfully, the light of Christ can break the darkness and give sin-darkened people the right to become children of light. Ironically, we need the light of Jesus to see the light of Jesus. We love because He first loved us, and no matter how impenetrable our darkness may seen, Christ’s light and the promises He has achieved for us cannot be extinguished.

Thank You, Jesus, for being the light that not only inspires, me but utterly transforms me. Amen.

Family connection: This week, go into a room and turn off the lights. Ask your family this question: When light comes into a dark place, what happens? You can see! Talk about how the true Light—Jesus—came so that we can see. No matter how dark the place or how dark our sin, the light of Jesus always breaks through!