Section 1: The Light of the World
I had fallen down a rabbit hole. All I did was search “best light bulbs” on my phone. Thirty minutes later I was still standing in the home improvement store’s lighting aisle analyzing online recommendations. Did I want incandescent, fluorescent, halogen, CFL, or LED? Had I considered lumens, watts, or Kelvin numbers? Was I going for daylight, soft white, warm, or cool? It dawned on me (pun intended!) that we are a people obsessed with light.
We come by this obsession honestly. After all, some of the first words of the first book of the Bible contrast darkness and light, and they culminate in the first recorded, spoken words of God, “Let there be light” (Genesis 1:3). This is significant: God’s first words announced and celebrated His creation of light, and the imagery continues to shine throughout Scripture. For example, all of the books highlighted in today’s reading refer to light in their first chapter or verses. We have Genesis 1, John 1, Colossians 1, 1 John 1, and the first verses of Psalm 104. Throughout the Bible light is primary, foundational, and vital. We are right to be obsessed with light.
Why so much emphasis on light? Jesus’s disciple John helps us understand in the opening lines of his Gospel. He recognized that Jesus was the divine Messiah and Savior who had been active with God for all eternity. “He was with God in the beginning. All things were created through Him” (John 1:2–3). Together with the spirit of God (Genesis 1:2), God the Father and God the Son created all things.
What mysteries we’ve stumbled into! Eternity, creation, and the Triune (three-in-one) God. My brain cramps and my eyes strain to see where these deep thoughts lead. Sometimes I doubt that I’ll ever understand or find my way. Whether it’s facing mysterious eternal truths or navigating my own daily twists and turns, I struggle to see reality. How about you? Have you wondered, “Does God really care? Can I trust Him? Where can I find help, hope, forgiveness, and peace?”
When we’re down a rabbit hole of hurt, doubt, and unbelief, we need a bright light to pierce the dark and show us the way forward. John identified our light source when he declared, “The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world” (John 1:9). Just as light reveals hidden realities, Jesus reveals the presence and power of God. His life and death reveal the depths of God’s love and the lengths He would go to give His people ultimate hope, forgiveness, and peace—even sacrificing His Son to conquer the sin and darkness that hangs heavy in the world and in our own hearts.
Advent reminds us that Jesus is primary, foundational, and vital. We are right to be obsessed with the true Light and to once again celebrate God’s announcement and gift, “Let there be light!” (Genesis 1:3).
Leave a Reply
160 thoughts on "Let There Be Light"
I love the comments section. Thank you, Lord, for this
Always shine light to the things I can’t see
My Lord sheds light on my life everyday. Thank you Lord.
It amazes me how much clearer we see with the light. Just today, I was trying to look at some small print and pulled out my flashlight so I could see it better. It made me think how when Jesus is close to us, how much more we can focus and truly see what needs to be seen!!
And it was good
Love ❤️
Lord you are great
Amen .light the dark places in my life
❤️
Amen
Praying for light in the darkest of places in me this morning
♥️
A wonderful reminder as we receive the gift of light this season that Jesus is our true light as we navigate our way forward. Light reveals the shadows in the darkness just as Jesus reveals the depth of God’s love.
Let there be light, let there be hope, let there be love, let there be Jesus
I wrote this down too!!!! Thank you God!!!
❤️
❤️
❤️
Just as light reveals hidden realities, Jesus reveals the presence & power of God. AMEN!!!!
❤️
Ooh feeling a little wrecked by this reading in a good way. In the sense that darkness refers to everything without God in it, every situation I handle without Gods love, his perspective and grace is darkness and can easily shift with letting his light in.
Amen ❤️
❤ love this Mimi K
Elizabeth, I love this. Thank you for sharing that image.
Jesus’ life and death reveal the depth of God’s love for humankind. As we go into this Christmas season, I pray that I remember that a savior was born to save the world from darkness and bring light to you and to me.
Jesus’ life and death reveal the depth of God’s love for humankind. As we go
I love the imagery that a room that is dark can be changed by even the smallest bit of light but a room that is full of light cannot be overcome by darkness the light will always pierce the darkness
I pray this for you too Teresa
How awesome that God’s first recorded words are “let there be light.” He knew He would send us the one true Light too! His provision is indeed perfect in every way.
Just how light reveals the unseen, Jesus reveals Himself to us in our darkness, lighting the Way, the Truth, to true Life. This is so beautifully written and I too went down that same rabbit hole of which lightbulbs to buy haha!
Love your insights on this! I think I needed to hear and process that :) thank you!
❤️
❤️❤️
✨
❤️
THE DARKNESS HAS NOT OVERCOME IT – darkness is only the absence of light. Once light is present, even in the slightest, everything changes. I can’t help but think of the children’s song “This Little Light of Mine” – we often don’t even recognize the power that we carry within us. The one true Light of the world chooses to make His dwelling place with us! How privileged are we?! Thank you, Jesus! You are worthy!
I too am praying this prayer, friend ❤️❤️
♥️
The Light of the world is what we long for…. And it overtakes the darkness always trying to creep in. The world offers doubt and fear. The LORD offers Light, Hope, Love, Security….. so much we cannot fully describe it! ❤️
Love this. Thank you for sharing!
❤️
❤️
Praying in agreement that you would feel the light and presence of God even more evidently in this season.
I pray that in these dark times we are all facing that we all hang onto the one and only True Light, our Saviour Jesus Christ!
❤️
The darkness could not overcome the lights
I pray that Gods light shines on me until I no longer feel that I’m living under a cloud of darkness and depression.
Yes and amen
I find it interesting to note that in Genesis 1 the writer makes a point to mention that God SEPARATED the light from the darkness, and in John 1 the writer says that the light (referring to Jesus/the light of men) shines IN the darkness. Not sure if I’m reading or interpreting correctly, but this little point reminded me this morning that Jesus, the light of life, stepped into our broken and dark world and brought light and hope. He didn’t wait until we sorted out our own issues in the dark, no, the God of the universe stepped into our damaged, broken and dark world, he came to us just as we are.
Praying for your friend! I know Gods got this!
App on day three…website is current though! ❤️
I needed this message today. I find myself searching for light while I’m so sick and stuck in a dark place, desperately needing Him to guide me through this season!
What great word imagery! I hadn’t thought of this, thanks for sharing
I am stuck on day 3 too
Same.
I’m looking for light in this dark world. Our world changed last year and hasn’t been the same. The darkness seems to be growing bigger with each day. I pray that as we all turn towards the Father and to our savior that His light, His peace, and His joy will fill our world. Amen
My app is stuck on day 3 someone help:(
I relate to your experiences completely. Thank you for sharing.
I always think that God gave us His light whenever we accept Him into our hearts but after reading todays devotion, i know it’s not true. The light of God is manifest through our godliness and pursuit of a genuine relationship with Christ. I don’t want any importance or title anymore I just want to be in the light with my Heavenly Father. A morning star in the evening and the first burst of the sun peeking above the horizon. I really like the description that God is before darkness/ light. It just further supports that God is and will always be before us in the best way.
At a recent conference the lord gave me a vision of me in a dark room with a small flashlight. I was shining it all around not focusing one thing. Then suddenly the lord turned on a light that lit up the whole room. At that conference I received healing from things that I didn’t even know I needed.
Light seems to mean life. No life without light
1 Colossians 1:17
He is before all things, and by Him all things hold together. My favorite verse from today’s read.
1 Colossians 1:17 He is before all things, and by Him all things hold together”. My favorite verse from today’s read.
Jesus our Lord and our Light through our days! Good or bad He is always present and faithful!
Great stuff!
Me too!
this year has been dark for me. personally and spiritually. i’m praying this study brings me back to the truth and the Light of the world. He hasn’t left me but I have pushed away due to circumstances and being hurt by my church.
I was really moved and struck by Gen 1 in a new way. The earth was formless, empty and dark…and let there be light! Boom! Everything transformed!
suddenly I realized right in the first line Jesus just like from the beginning of time to the present is filling formless, empty and dark spaces (people) with light! And boom! Just one sound of his voice everything is transformed again and again!
From the start of creation he’s been bring light to the world!
I was really moved and struck by Gen 1 in a new way. The earth was formless, empty and dark…and let there be light! Boom! Everything transformed!
suddenly I realized right in the first line Jesus just like from the beginning of time to the present is filling formless, empty and dark spaces (people) with light! And boom! Just one sound of his voice everything is transformed again and again!
I was really moved and struck by Gen 1 in a new way. The earth was formless, empty and dark…and let there be light! Boom! Everything transformed! suddenly I realized right in the first line Jesus just like from the beginning of time is filling formless, empty and dark spaces (and people)
I was really moved and struck by Gen 1 in a new way. The earth was formless, empty and dark…and let there be light! Boom! Everything transformed!
suddenly I realized right in the first line Jesus just like from the beginning of time is filling formless, empty and dark spaces (and people)
This is my third year doing your Advent study and I truly believe this one is going to be amazing! Thank you for the work so lovingly and prayerfully poured into this book every year.
So thankful that there’s a way out of darkness.
Now I want to go down my own rabbit hole and look for all the light references in the Bible. It’s amazing and miraculous how Scripture is connected. I pray it never gets old to me!
His light is not only visible visually but mentally! As soon as I feel His presence, or gift of peace I feel physically light, my mind is clear
Me too!
Just went to the SRT website for day 4- it’s up on there!
So many app issues lately! Excited about this study and hopefully the kinks get worked out in the app!
Same. Maybe I needed these readings again!
Haha me too! I’m like, goodness is it not Wednesday?! Have a good day, Meredith!
My app is also stuck on day #3
❤️
Anyone see day 4? My app is stuck on day 3
Mine is as well!
Ahhhhh and the sermon on the mount “ you are the light of the world….let your light shine before others that they may see your good works and glorify your father in heaven”. So amazing to grasp and take in, that our bodies are now the temple of the Holy Spirit living within us, his light is in us… Christ lives within us,,, so huge,, so amazing.
I’m having issues with the app as well.
This is so interesting! I never really thought of it that way but it makes perfect sense. It gets physically dark outside so early and with the stress and rush of the holidays, it’s so nice to slow down and see the lights. They bring me joy.
Psalm 139 came to mind… “If I say, “Surely the darkness will hide me and the light become night around me,” even the darkness will not be dark to you; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you.”
Psalms 139:11-12
@Thes I love the Enduring word interpretations, I’ve been reading them each day as I do the Bible in a year! Thank you for sharing!
Man, today was SO good. So much depth and goodness in these passages. Living in a time period where we have electricity so readily available, it’s easy to take the term “light” for granted, so I’m really appreciating the depth this goes into about light. Also, I keep soaking in Colossians 1:16 where it details not only that Jesus had an active part in the creation story (like how did I never catch this? I always knew he was there from the beginning, but it never occurred to me to place him in an active role of the creation story I just pictured him being there, watching, I guess..ha. So that’s a huge revelation for me) but that everything was created FOR him. Like..I was created FOR him. And my Husband, my daughters, the mountains, the seas, all of it was created FOR him. What an incredible honor to be counted among one of the King’s creations.
Having so much trouble with the app today, but able to see some posts. How amazing is the Light of the world ? Melanie praying for your father in law and daughter.
No wonder we are so attracted to all things Christmas. As the world darkens we hunger and search for the Light!
praise the lord that he is our everlasting light bringing hope into this world.
How many times I have read Genesis and, “Let there be light”, and pictured this bright light in the sky being created as the sun bursts forth. But it was only today after reading John’s first chapter along with that… “He was with God in the beginning”, that what I heard this time in God’s statement of “let there be light” was not just a declaration of the light he had just created in the skies, but an announcement of the coming of His Son, the LIGHT! Let there be Light!! ❤️
Love this study
I agree! This stuck out to me as well
Praying that the light of Jesus can shine through me in a dark world.
Yes this was so profound to me as well!
And in Him all things hold together. That is the best from today’s readings.
Another reason to love the lights on the Christmas tree, and in my Gingerbread church, and from the fireplace!
This Fall my husband and I went on a weekend getaway. It was wonderful, completely surrounded by nature, it is a Native American healing ground. I was not aware of this when I made the reservations.
Anyways, today’s lesson is all about light. My eyes, my soul, my entire being was so open, I would even say opened more while on this getaway. There was light everywhere, even in the darkness of the trees. I know that this lesson is on light, but the part of scripture in Psalm 104:1-4, where it mentions – walking on the wings of the wind, and making the winds his messengers. I love this!! The winds spoke to me while on this getaway, I heard them even more so than “seeing” the light. Wind comes in the night just as it does in the day. The only difference,at night sometimes all you have is to listen, as the moon sleeps and does not shine all the time. Even through those dark, yet windy nights, His light is forever with us and in us. Sometimes, just sometimes, we need to listen with our eyes completely closed to hear, yet see the brightest of His light!
Hey, I forgot to ask for prayers for my niece Anniston, she is being induced bright and early in the morning! Prayers for calmness over her anxiety, a safe delivery, and a healthy baby girl. Thank you! hugs!
Shine on! Encouraged that light is the brightest in the darkest places & seasons.
There is so much truth to glean in the passages for today. I don’t think I ever realized how significant light was and how profound it is that Jesus is our Light of Life! My mind is boggled at the depths of this.
I love creation stories! Our God, and savior has made for us a beautiful planet that we all must respect.. no matter how long we live. Everything in this Earth is made for and by God.. and so are we. Never forget that!
@melanie praying now for your sweet daughter
This reading caused me to recall “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path”. I’m just checking in to say that my surgery went well yesterday. I do have some pain. I’m praying for decrease in pain and complete healing. Thank you for agreeing with me in prayer.
Yea. Glad this is working again.
I have always loved light. I put my desk right in front of a big window and turn on all the lights whenever I go into a room. How wonderful to think of Jesus as light.
This explains why I dread winter so much. Short days and long nights. My Bible brings me so much comfort.
Let there be light…what an encouraging phrase for this season!
Yes. It’s been wonky.
Let your light shine always and forever. ❤️
Sometimes it seems like we live in a well-lit environment, bright rooms, bright space, but our heart has dark chambers that we have not let the Lord in. And in those places exist bondage. I pray that we ask God to reveal to us what/where these things are, and fully surrender to Him, to be re-molded by Him, to be cleaned and decluttered/pruned of anything that is not of Him. Lord, I pray that your Word becomes flesh in my own life, in my family, in my career and all other aspects, please empty me of anything that is not from you. Let your Word be my lifestyle, my reactions, my attitude day in and day out. Let your nature become mine, by your grace and transforming power. All things are possible to those who believe. Glory to You in the Highest. Amen.
❤️
The light reveals what is hidden. Sin loves the darkness, but when light enters in and we remove the bondage that is shame and guilt, then real healing can begin. We have nothing to fear, no reason to hide in the dark ❤️
“He was in the world, and the world was created through him, and yet did not recognize him.” I often wonder how it must feel to be rejected by the very thing you created. ❤️
“When we’re down a rabbit hole of hurt, doubt, and unbelief, we need a bright light to pierce the dark and show us the way forward.” I’m feeling like the Light is slowly starting to pierce the heaviness I’ve felt on my life for several months now. Praising God for this community, it’s such a refreshment to my soul to know people are in the same place as me. Christian Community is so necessary, and where the Light can often be found:)
Hey guys. I was going to type this morning to ask for prayer, but I refrained.. but I came back to this now bc I really do need prayer.
I am without a car right now and I was late to work this morning bc I didn’t have a ride early enough. I am always on time so this gave me nightmares last night, bc I really don’t want to look unreliable. Then when I got in, my coworker told me my boss was complaining about me to my coworker. My coworker tried to defend me, but I notice that she gossips a lot, so I am not surprised by their interaction … Just immensely hurt. All I want to do is a good job..my boss seems upset my standards are different than hers. (She’s more loose structured, I put more priority on attention to detail).
I am going to leave this anonymous… Bc you never know. But I am a regular SRT poster. I mentioned I was sharing a testimony on a Christian podcast about coming from New Age. Life has been hard lately, and I wonder if it’s because I am being bold.. idk. The world is broken regardless of what I do for Christ.
Please pray I trust God more through these trials. My heart hurts.
I can only hope you feel the prayers that were prayed for you this morning❤️
There have been soooo many times I’ve been down that rabbit hole Patti talks about, BUT GOD AND CHRIST have always been there, and I know will always be there, for me. They have always been the Light at the end of the tunnel. The Light of the Holy Spirit needs to shine bright in us all, all the time not just at Christmas. As the children’s song goes, “This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine. Everyday in everyway. Hide it under a bushel? No. Don’t let satan blow it out. LET IT SHINE, LET IT SHINE, LET IT SHINE. (emphasis mine)”
So sisters be blessed and LET YOUR LIGHT SHINE and LET IT SHINE BRIGHT for the LORD this season and ALWAYS.
Thank you all for your shining light this morning. I seem to be in desperate need of it today. The verse from Colossians 1:17 is my “cling to it” verse today.
I would like to ask for prayer for my friend Fran again today. You may remember from this past summer that she has been in a care facility waiting for a new knee for 3 years now. Between covid, doctor & health issues it has been a nightmare for her. You prayed and we were finally, Finally, given 1st a new doctor, then the 1st construction surgery.. her final installation surgery is scheduled for December 13th. Please pray there are no further delays for ANY reason and that the surgery would be a complete success so she can finally escape that care facility! Thank you so much sweet She’s.
ANGIE- I love this! I am also one who typically spends time with either just a small light on in the corner. However it is the same for me, Christmas brings an abundance of light into my living area, even if it is just a small dorm right now.
Traci Gendron: I am praying for you and your family as you mourn the loss of your precious son Tanner. I googled his name and found the obituary and saw his picture. I know he fought the good fight and finished his course and is now in the arms of Jesus. May God give you comfort and peace.
KARRI – I underlined and emphasized that verse in my study book this morning! Such a great reminder that when things feel like they’re whacky and uncontrollable, it is ultimately all held together by him.
There are so many distractions in the world, but we must turn our eyes to God’s everlasting light, which is the most important thing.
“God separated the light from the darkness.” From the beginning, light and darkness are incompatible. They cannot exist together. I’m either standing in the light or I’m standing in the dark. Now that the Christmas season has begun, light shines everywhere. Homes are brightly decorated inside and out. Perhaps that should be a personal challenge as well. May I shine the Light of Jesus inside myself with diligent study, prayer and meditation. May I shine the Light of Jesus outside myself by treating others with kindness, compassion and by promoting peace. And I pray that all of us, who call ourselves Jesus followers, stand boldly in the Light, keeping separated from the darkness and drawing others to The Light of the world. The only Light. Emanuel. God with us. Let’s speak up and shine for Him.
Oh Dear Foster Mama! Thank you for praying for us, I am definitely seeing some stirring in both of us to get back to loving each other in the way we used to! It’s definitely an effort even though there is nothing per se that has happened except the lack of patience with each other, the devil slowly tries to divide, but I know when we put God back between us to do everything in love, we can prevail. We have found a church we like, and I pray and ask for your prayers, that we will make it a priority to not only attend weekly, but to feel a draw to get involved, meet friends and mentors, BE friends and mentors, and be our lifeline to Jesus!
As far as the car catastrophe, he was fine. I just felt bad that we would have to spend more money on something so preventable. (head down, whomp, wha, wha…!) It was fixed yesterday, and he was pretty proud of himself for gluing back together with the whole windshield wiper/motor and putting back in! haha. men.
Prayers for all your request! And thanks to each of you for sharing your light here with us each day! Our lights are on outside, shining bright for the Savior that was born. And my light is on, hoping to shed light to who God puts in my path. (including my husband, kids, grands, and friends)!
I was just reading through all the excited messages from Sunday…praise God. This is a challenging time for many (SARAH LINGLE, CATHY PAUL, HEFFTNER,…so many more names that I have forgotten) but, we will all hold one another tightly! Let us fight to keep the light shining!
LINDAK, let us know how you’re doing when possible.
VICTORIA E, always praying for you in all the ways you’ve requested. I also pray this will be a season of joy and flipping any worries into “taking advantage” of not running after a kid just yet, worrying about him getting too close to the tree. It might sound silly but, “spinning” things has helped me a bit lately as I ache for some heartbreaks in my life.
TRACI GENDRON- Of COURSE, I am praying for you! I must say… I don’t think it would be a bad idea to wear a face shield on Dec 3. You can look for a good quality one (perhaps held up your the nose for your comfort rather than foam across your forehead) that doesn’t scream “Stand back!” but that DOES make it a bit more inconvenient / awkward to fully hug (if YOU are looking to minimize that). Just a thought.
https://youtu.be/65K-1PKPnPM
This song by Fernando Ortega brings Psalm 104 to life.
I so appreciate this Advent study!
I want to thank you for sharing your lessons.I stopped reading the word for a long time because I would fall asleep every time I tried to read. I thought I was disappointing God. Started your lessons and now I look forward to more.
Wow, THES…thank you for that!!
RACHEL – I am praying for every little detail of your prayer request re: surgery and your hubby… even the things you couldn’t verbalize. Praying God gives more than you could have ever imagined!
RHONDA J – I am often praying for you and your hubby, praying a season of refreshment. (BTW: What happened with the car / garage?! If you updated, I missed it.)
I love this in perspective putting quote on Psalm 104 (found on the enduringword.com/bible-commentary/ highly recommended it for a understandable dieper dive in to Scripture)
“If light itself is but his garment and veil, what must be the blazing splendour of his own essential being! We are lost in astonishment, and dare not pry into the mystery lest we be blinded by its insufferable glory.” (Spurgeon)
Today I was encouraged by Colossians 1:17, “… and by him all things hold together”. Even in what seems to be a crazy world Christ continues to sustain his creation and prevent it from falling into chaos. He is holding us together and we can rest in that.
LAUREN – So well-said…thank you for that!!
MELANIE – I’m wrapping you in SO much prayer today. I pray fervently for your daughter and the oh! too many youngsters struggling with mental health and socio-emotional challenges.
I pray for all my sisters who struggle with anxiety and depression and that, for those times that the enemy adds to it with his lies that God would shed His precious Light, help us to clear out all those dark corners.
Great insights. Aren’t we a blessed people!
Thank you for this. Light is so critical to our walks and we need the light of others to continually refine us.
I just read another devotional over on the First 5 app from Proverbs 31 Ministries. The title is called: A Better Inheritance and it is from the book of Joshua. The author says that Jesus is preparing a place for us and He is preparing us for that place! We are talking about God’s promises and so I thought I’d share: https://myf5.co/554295
Also, I listened to a sermon by Voddie Bauchman last night. So much in this preaching. He explains that if we are His, we can never lose our salvation. Here is a link: https://youtu.be/CdFBbJAVC70
You may be more astounded by His love and mercy after listening.
Love and light are such strong themes today, which is giving my heart and mind rest since I’ve been struggling with anxiety the past few days. Thank you God!
“Advent reminds us that Jesus is primary, foundational, and vital. We are right to be obsessed with the true Light and to once again celebrate God’s announcement and gift, “Let there be light!” ” such a great teaching, Patti Sauls!
I feel so wrapped in light right now and pray it shows as I go about my day.
ANGIE – you preached, sister! Thanks for that!
Illumination is so dominant throughout scripture:
1. God’s inaugural creation act was light.
2. His presence to Moses was a burning bush.
3. His sign to mankind declaring the birth of Jesus was a star.
4. While still in human form, Jesus was surrounded by a great light while talking to Moses and Elijah.
5. It was at dawn, the sun just over the horizon, when Mary Magdalene (unbeknownst to her) discovered the promise of resurrection fulfilled.
5. Saul was blinded by light on the road to Damascus.
6. At Pentecost, tongues of fire represented the power of the Holy Spirit.
And finally we, His beloved and chosen, are encouraged to shine: “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” Matt 5:16
At this moment that I type these words, the sun is just breaking the horizon. “Lord, show me how to let the light of your Good News shine from within me. Amen”
It is so like God! The very first thing He created, once the earth was created, was light. Without light one can not see, and in order for all the rest of creation to be seen, there must be light.
Then in John 1, the life and the light of men is Jesus! We need the light of Jesus so that we can have new life in Him, the light first penetrating through the darkness revealing our sin. Every “man” coming into the world has access to the light of Jesus. Praise God for His mercy, His grace, His love that even in our sin – He made a way for the light of Jesus to shine through, giving us new life in Him! May the eyes of the lost be open, may many come to the light of Jesus, especially during this season when we celebrate Him!
@Melanie – praying for your FIL – that he will soon get the kidney he needs, & that God will touch him with His healing hand. Also, praying for your sweet daughter, that God will bring healing to all that she is suffering.
Praying for your father and daughter Melanie.
I will be meditating on Psalm 104 verse 2a…”He wraps Himself in light as if it were a robe…” The imagery that it brings, the oneness of God and His Light.
Jesus is the light that pierces through our darkness. Whatever we are going through we can run to him because His light overcomes ALL darkness. Jesus has given us VICTORY over sin, death, darkness, guilt and shame. His Word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. When I feel the weight of sin and darkness creeping in, I will run to Jesus as He is my only help, my only hope, the true light of the world! Col 1:17 “He is before all things and in Him all things hold together.”
Our Creator’s appropriate obsession with light is eye opening to me and confirms deeper that “there is now NO condemnation for those in Christ Jesus…”. God had every ability to keep my sin hidden from His view. My gross, rude, disrespectful, hateful sin. After all He HATES sin and has said so Himself. So the fact He would create light, and later send HIS Light to our world, is so much bigger than I’ve recognized before. He CHOSE to see it for one reason- to give me a way out. Unlike so many of us do- He didn’t see my sin and become repulsed and judgmental and hateful of ME. He INTENTIONALLY gave light to it so that 1. I could see it; 2. He could bring healing to it.
I hope we can use this season to practice allowing light into our daily routines and practices and demonstrating a deeper sense of gratitude that we have a Savior and God who WANT to love as deeply as we can take in- and Who actually WANT to see our sin in order to help us do just that!
“Let there be light”, I didn’t realize these were God’s first spoken words and its so beautiful. The light was good, the dark was not. Jesus, the firstborn over all creation and yet even then God knew Jesus was the key to reconcile creation to Himself through death. Jesus let your light shine around me and through me today – you are Creator, you are Friend, you are EVERYTHING.
@melanie – I’m praying right now for your daughter
I’m praying right now for your daughter
God even created the light. I know that in my head, but to grasp it with my heart and soul, I am only beginning to understand. In the beginning, God took formless, empty, dark watery depths and said, “Let there be light,” and there was light. He wraps Himself in light, as if it were a robe. His Word is light to our souls. And Jesus, the true Light that gives life to men is God, but also our brother, Redeemer, and Friend. How perfect (of course – God orchestrated it) that the Son of God, Jesus’s, earthly birth was symbolized with a brilliant star that pierced the darkness of the night. Not just any star, but one that stood out to the wise men. The “Light of Jesus,” still stands out to wise men and women. The “Light of Jesus,” still shines out of our lives as we live to honor and glorify Him. His Light that shines from our heart, in our words, through the working of our hands and the journey of our feet.
Our son and his family always have lights on throughout their home. We tend to only have the lights on in the room we are at, and even then you might find me huddled with a book in a corner that would benefit from more light. EXCEPT at Christmas. At Christmas there are lights that come on randomly throughout the house and even outside. It is beautiful when the lights break through the darkness.
Oh Lord I pray for this day to shine Your Light, from my heart, to a dark world around me. You created the light. You wrap it around You, and You are wrapped around me, oh my, THANK YOU. May the Light that wraps around me and shines honor and glorify You alone. And, thank you, thank you, for the creation of these twinkling lights at Christmas that remind us that You alone are God. Your Light pierces the darkness and shines. In You, Father, Jesus, and Holy Spirit – Trinity, we place our trust, find our hope, peace, and joy. Hallelujah to the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, our Light and our Salvation. Amen.
Good morning I love Christmas lights I keep them up November to February as it’s so dark and dreary here in Michigan. Praying for my sweet sisters and all your requests. Pray for my father in law so is back in the hospital He was a direct admit to the transplant unit last night The doctor this n he may have hurt his née kidney ♀️ Also pray from my sweet daughter J. I really need a miracle in her mental health She suffered so much over the holiday. She is so young and calling the doctor for more medication seems impossible. She is so tiny and so young. I’m heartbroken about the issue. Jesus please please touch my child.
“When we’re down a rabbit hole of hurt, doubt, and unbelief, we need a bright light to pierce the dark and show us the way forward.”
Jesus shines into every situation if we will just turn towards the light, He will bring us comfort and direction. Simple truth. Now if I can remember it in the midst of the negative downward spirals…
RACHEL – praying for your extensive surgery today, for your surgeons and your recovery
KELLY – “no presence of God” How devastating to think of that, made me shudder.
LINDAK – praying for quick recovery from yesterday’s surgery.
ALI – welcome!
RHONDA J – praying your grands will be drawn to the light of Christ through our prayers for them
MAURA – praying for health for you and your family
TAYLOR – praying for you, for strength to resist the pull/call of darkness and to reach for the light of Christ. It has helped me to remember that no good can come from choosing darkness, and the love, light and strength of Christ is all for good.
KRISTIN – praying for you as you think about your mom and her having been gone for 2 years.
DEBBIE – praying for peace throughout your family
CHURCHMOUSE- just read the insight you shared yesterday, thank you for that. And am I the only one humming “this little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine” after reading it??
Rachel – I’m praying for you this morning as you go into surgery. My your spirit be full of the peace of our Savior. May the doctors/surgeons have wisdom, discernment, and care during the procedure. And may your healing be a time of rest and strengthening for your body and soul. God is with you sister. Amen.
A little sidebar thought…It is interesting that one way that hell is described is “utter darkness.” A place without any light – no presence of God
Thanks be to God for His everlasting light
God spoke, “Let there be light”. The earth prepared by the Spirit. And there was light. No sun or moon or stars, but the light shone. And the light was good. God separated the light from the darkness. Those cannot coexist. God gave a time for the darkness, night. But the darkness couldn’t remain. Every day, it has to give way to the light. And even in the darkness, now, lights are shining. The moon, the stars tell of the light that will come again. Only a few more hours, they say, and the sun will rise again. Maybe that’s what the darkness is for, so that we will treasure the light even more.
It is funny as we put up our tree this past week I was infatuated with the lights, as I am every Christmas season. I love to get up at all hours, sit in my chair and look at the little white lights, they make me feel loved, comfortable and warm. When we we have the love of Jesus we are so drawn to the light.
Amen @Dana..a whole heap of truth right there!
Blessings sister..❤
“Just as light reveals hidden realities, Jesus reveals the presence and power of God. His life and death reveal the depths of God’s love and the lengths He would go to give His people ultimate hope, forgiveness, and peace—even sacrificing His Son to conquer the sin and darkness that hangs heavy in the world and in our own hearts.”
This. This I needed tonight and every moment of every day. This is what it is. This is the reality of His love for us. And Jesus is, and will ever be, that reminder. Amen and Amen!!