John 1:9-13
The true light, which gives light to everyone, was coming into the world.
More than seven hundred years before the Lord’s birth, the prophet Isaiah said: “The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shone.” (Isaiah 9:2) This prophecy has been fulfilled with the birth of the Lord Jesus. The Apostle John testified: “That light was the true light which gives light to every man coming into the world.” (John 1:9)
All the functions of light are manifest in the Word, who is Christ. Light drives away darkness; those who trust in Him will not remain in darkness but become children of light. Light enables people to see; Christ came to give sight to the blind and to show great light to those remaining in the shadow of death.
Light produces food, supplying human physical needs; Christ is the bread of life; those who seek Him will no longer hunger or thirst.
Light gives direction; Christ is the way, the truth, and the life; no one can come to the Father except through Him. Light brings warmth; Christ’s words warm the hearts of people, offering comfort, encouragement, and hope.
Light heals diseases; Christ is the great physician, bringing health to body, mind, and spirit.
The true light has now come; this is the theme proclaimed every Christmas — Jesus Christ is the light of the world, blessed are those who draw near to Him.
Light is so beautiful, yet “the world did not know Him… His own did not receive Him.” (John 1:10-11) The “world” presented in the Gospel of John mostly refers to the secular social systems that resist God. The “world,” having rejected the light, grows increasingly dark. However, the light does not vanish because “His own” does not receive it, for darkness can never overpower light. Still, there are those who believe in His name and receive Him; and “He gives them the right to become children of God.” (John 1:12)
Just like in the Old Testament, though Israel as a whole was rebellious, there was always a remnant who trusted and feared God. Similarly, in the time of Jesus, although the majority rejected and opposed Him, a small group believed in Him and followed Him. The “world” today is the same; it still rebels against and rejects the true light, but hasn’t God chosen you and me and given us the authority to continue to spread this light?
The Apostle John says: “Those who are born not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.” (John 1:13) Without being born, there is no life. The same is true in the kingdom of God: to become His children, one must be “born of God.” When the Word of God meets human faith, a new life emerges from within. This is shown when one is willing to accept and believe in His name; and is willing to let Christ reign in their personal life, continuously feeding on the Word to grow. This is the only way to become children of the kingdom; only by drawing near to the light can God grant them the authority to spread this true light.
Reflection:
Am I born of God? How then can I spread the light of God?
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, who came to the world out of love, may Your light first illuminate and reshape me to be the child that You want me to be. Let my life bear witness to Your light, and may I constantly shine Your light on the people around me. In the precious name of our Lord Jesus Christ, I pray, Amen!
More than seven hundred years before the Lord’s birth, the prophet Isaiah said: “The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shone.” (Isaiah 9:2) This prophecy has been fulfilled with the birth of the Lord Jesus. The Apostle John testified: “That light was the true light which gives light to every man coming into the world.” (John 1:9)
All the functions of light are manifest in the Word, who is Christ. Light drives away darkness; those who trust in Him will not remain in darkness but become children of light. Light enables people to see; Christ came to give sight to the blind and to show great light to those remaining in the shadow of death.
Light produces food, supplying human physical needs; Christ is the bread of life; those who seek Him will no longer hunger or thirst.
Light gives direction; Christ is the way, the truth, and the life; no one can come to the Father except through Him. Light brings warmth; Christ’s words warm the hearts of people, offering comfort, encouragement, and hope.
Light heals diseases; Christ is the great physician, bringing health to body, mind, and spirit.
The true light has now come; this is the theme proclaimed every Christmas — Jesus Christ is the light of the world, blessed are those who draw near to Him.
Light is so beautiful, yet “the world did not know Him… His own did not receive Him.” (John 1:10-11) The “world” presented in the Gospel of John mostly refers to the secular social systems that resist God. The “world,” having rejected the light, grows increasingly dark. However, the light does not vanish because “His own” does not receive it, for darkness can never overpower light. Still, there are those who believe in His name and receive Him; and “He gives them the right to become children of God.” (John 1:12)
Just like in the Old Testament, though Israel as a whole was rebellious, there was always a remnant who trusted and feared God. Similarly, in the time of Jesus, although the majority rejected and opposed Him, a small group believed in Him and followed Him. The “world” today is the same; it still rebels against and rejects the true light, but hasn’t God chosen you and me and given us the authority to continue to spread this light?
The Apostle John says: “Those who are born not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.” (John 1:13) Without being born, there is no life. The same is true in the kingdom of God: to become His children, one must be “born of God.” When the Word of God meets human faith, a new life emerges from within. This is shown when one is willing to accept and believe in His name; and is willing to let Christ reign in their personal life, continuously feeding on the Word to grow. This is the only way to become children of the kingdom; only by drawing near to the light can God grant them the authority to spread this true light.
Reflection:
Am I born of God? How then can I spread the light of God?
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, who came to the world out of love, may Your light first illuminate and reshape me to be the child that You want me to be. Let my life bear witness to Your light, and may I constantly shine Your light on the people around me. In the precious name of our Lord Jesus Christ, I pray, Amen!