Then Jesus spoke out again, “I am the light of the world. The one who follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”
Jesus, John 8:12
The darkness of sin filled the world but God promised a light that would one day pierce the darkness. Throughout history it was known that a glimpse of spiritual light could be found in Jerusalem. The temple of God was a destination for many in the ancient world as they sought the light of truth. Families would travel together seeking something meaningful, something true, something illuminating.
The birth of Jesus is described as the long promised light which shines in the darkness. About thirty-two years after his birth, Jesus proclaimed: “I am the light of the world.” His words were illuminated by his surroundings. He was likely standing in front of a huge candelabra in the most open part of the temple as a crowd of visitors were seeking Spiritual light. His words give all who hear a choice. If we follow him we will have the light of life, if we reject him we will remain in the terrible darkness of our sin.
Our hope for you today is that you and your family will seek the light of the world together.
Bonus Content:
The Wesleyan hymn “Christ, Whose Glory Fills the Skies” is the backdrop of today’s podcast.
Christ, whose glory fills the skies,
Christ, the true and only Light,
Sun of righteousness, arise,
triumph o’er the shade of night;
Day-spring from on high, be near;
Day-star, in my heart appear.
Dark and cheerless is the morn
unaccompanied by Thee;
joyless is the day’s return,
till Thy mercy’s beams I see,
till they inward light impart,
glad my eyes, and warm my heart.
Visit then this soul of mine,
pierce the gloom of sin and grief;
fill me, radiancy divine,
scatter all my unbelief;
more and more Thyself display,
shining to the perfect day.
With much love,
The Downings
