Jesus, Light of the World

In John 8:12 Jesus said: ‘I am the light of the world. Anyone who follows Me will never walk in the darkness but will have the light of life.” This proclamation was said while he was in the temple complex and possibly soon after the Festival of Tabernacles. This was a time when the great Menorah or lampstand was lit, reminding people of the pillar of fire that led them through the wilderness. Jesus, however, is letting them know that He is the source of all true light. His light is what will lead the way in the darkness and His light will never be extinguished. 

There are so many people today stumbling around in the dark. They are lost, confused, discouraged, and depressed.  They struggle just like you and I do, but they don't have the light of Jesus in their life.  They are wandering through life, totally blinded by the darkness.

I love the celebration of Christmas because I'm reminded once again of the wonderful gift we have received.  A savior was born so many years ago and He lit up the dark world.  He illuminated the darkness and provided a way for us to walk in relationship with God.  We no longer have to stumble around in the dark.

For those of us who follow Him, we too, are to be a light in this dark world. We are to reflect the light that is in us to those around us. In Matthew 5:14-16, Jesus tells His disciples the following, “You are the light of the world. A city situated on a hill cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and puts it under a basket, but rather on a lampstand, and it gives light for all who are in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.” 

As believers we are to let our lights shine before men.  As they see us and observe our lives, they should be able to see Christ reflected in us.  He should be represented in our words, our actions, and everything about us.

However, this will only happen as we stay close to Jesus and stay rooted in Him.  If we start to drift away from the Lord, we too will lose our light.  If we move away from the source of light, our glow will fade.

Do you find this true in your life?  Do you regularly spend time in His word and prayer?  Do you have an intimate relationship with Christ? Do you allow Him to shine His light on those areas of your life where you struggle? 

Is your light shining brightly for all to see or is it beginning to fade? Are you relying on your own brightness or are you staying connected to the source of your light?

My encouragement to you is to turn your light on!  Live your life in such a way that Jesus shines through you.  Provide light to your friends, family, neighbors and co-workers.  

Secondly, make sure you stay connected to the source of your light. It’s very easy to get so busy, even with good things, that we forget that we need to stay connected to the Word and to Jesus, the ultimate Light of the World.

When we do that, we will shine bright and we can go out to a dark world and let them see the ONE who will illuminate their path. Let your light shine today.