by Daniel Bramlett

Light is a funny thing. It travels faster than any other known thing in the universe, yet it doesn’t even feel like a gust of wind when we’re hit by it. The light our earth is lit by is millions of miles away from us and it only takes 8 minutes for it to reach us. The surface of the sun is five times hotter than the lava spewing out of the Mauna Loa volcano in Hawaii right now, but we don’t burst into flames when standing in its rays. In fact, we are told that the very helpful Vitamin D is absorbed by our skin through the sunshine we enjoy. Light is so powerful it can burn a hole through just about anything if it is concentrated enough. At the same time it is safe enough for a child to play with a dollar flashlight and not get hurt. Light is pretty amazing. 

The prophet Isaiah looks ahead to a day when Jesus would come and writes these words: “The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shined.” Jesus describes Himself as the “Light of the World”. What are Isaiah and Jesus talking about? 

From the very beginning, God is described as Light. He expels darkness, reveals hidden sin and opens up closed passageways. Those who reject Him are said to be blind. Over and again God opens the eyes of those who believe; He gives them sight to see. Adam and Eve hide from God, hoping He doesn’t see them…but He does. Moses meets God in a burning bush, watches Him bring utter darkness over the land of Egypt and then follows Him as He leads them out by cloud (during the day) and fire (at night). When Moses came off Sinai, he had to cover his face because the Light of God was so bright in him. The Temple Solomon built was so reflective, it was said it would light the city of Jerusalem on a full moon night. By the time Isaiah is talking about God as Light, no one really questioned him. They totally understood…and yearned for the day when He would really show Himself to His people. Spiritual darkness had covered the land. People were confused and attacked spiritually. The enemy was having a field day with the world. Is it any wonder the way God announced Jesus on the night of His birth?

At night, shepherds were keeping their flocks safe, an angel appeared and the glory of the Lord SHONE around them. After explaining the news of Jesus birth to these dumbfounded shepherds, the night sky filled with angels of light and glory, all singing the announcement of Jesus flesh and blood entrance into Earth. God has always done His best work with Light.

This goes without saying, but please give me permission one more time: Christmas is so much more than presents, decorations, food and family. Christmas is about Jesus. If we are really going to celebrate Him, we have to embrace His Light. What does this mean? Acknowledging God as Light means submitting to His work of uncovering our sin. It means allowing Him access to the hidden parts of our lives. God’s Light is good. Why would we resist it?

John tells us that Jesus is Light. He talks about how the darkness cannot overcome Him and how He enlightens everyone. This is the way John introduces Jesus in his Gospel. Of all the words he could have chosen to describe Jesus, John chose Light. In His conversation with Nicodemus, Jesus says, “the Light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the Light…everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come to [it], let his works should be exposed.” We don’t like the Light because we love our sin. 

If Christmas is about anything it is about the Light of the world doing more than brightening up our night. Jesus turns our world upside down as the Light. He chases out the darkness for everyone who believes. I challenge you this Christmas to stop playing with the Light. Stop treating Him like a flickering candle the you can blow out or a string of LED’s you can unplug when the season is over. As THE Light, Jesus has the authority to upend every bit of influence evil has in your life. He can wash you with joy and truth, give you a new heart and a transformed mind. Don’t wait another minute to ask Jesus to fill you with His Light. 

I won’t lie. It may feel like Mauna Loa is going off in your soul for a little bit. We’ve loved the darkness for so long, the presence of the Light can be blinding for a minute. But that doesn’t mean it’s bad. Make up your mind to submit to the Light and stop feeling your way through life in the dark. Give your life to Jesus this Christmas and receive the greatest gift you can ever be given: the Light of Life.