“When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “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
The smallest amount of light can make the biggest difference. A dark room can be a scary thing, yet the small bulb of a nightlight can change everything. I have one daughter who has never been able to sleep in a dark room. She must have light. She would prefer to leave every light in the house on (maybe that is an exaggeration from her dad). But a small nightlight will do.
Darkness is powerful. It activates our imagination. The darkness heightens our sensitivity. The slightest sound captures our attention. Before long, we have decided that the dark is concealing the scariest of things. Even a little child can imagine a monster under the bed when the lights are off.
When a small light shines in the darkness, it changes everything. Our wayward imagination gives way to reality. Fear gives way to truth. Anxiety surrenders to peace.
This is why Jesus is so often referred to as the light. Jesus Himself said, “I am the light of the world.” Jesus understands the power of darkness. When we are unable to see clearly, we are prone to fear. This is never God’s desire for us. Repeatedly, the scriptures tell us not to be afraid. (Joshua 1:9, Isaiah 41:10, Luke 2:10, 1 John 4:18) And so we look to Jesus, the light of God’s love in our world. He is truth and life. When we follow him, study his life, and trust in his will for our lives, we find that the light of Jesus’ life guides us, even in the darkest places and times.
-Rev. Keith King, Pastor of Worship
