Baby Jesus came into the world with purpose, to bring his brightest light into the darkest dark.
“The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world.” -John 1:9
Some people turn away from his light, but by coming He has brought light to the world.
Look on any news site right now and you will see all kinds of woes. Yet is this, perhaps, one of our world’s greatest catastrophes? That, “He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world did not know him” (John 1:10).
When Jesus was born and as he carried out His powerful earthly ministry, the world did not recognize Him as its Savior. “He came to His own, and His own people did not receive Him” (John 1:11).
So does this mean His mission failed?
No.
“The light shines in the darkness and the darkness has not overcome it.” -John 1:5
And the darkness never will overcome it.
His light shined as He hung from the cross at Calvary, as He was laid in the tomb and when He rose again on the third day.
His light shines in the darkness in the midst of world catastrophes and our own personal tragedies, though we may not necessarily readily notice it right away or in this lifetime.
His light shines in our lives if we are in Him even if we don’t always feel like it.
“He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.” -Colossians 1:13-14
We may be tempted to only see the darkness, but we need not stay there consumed by the darkness. In this world, we will have darkness and troubles, but what does Jesus say?
“I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” -John 16:33
If we are in Christ, we also shine in this world and will not be overcome by the darkness.
Sometimes I feel that we are about to be overcome, but that’s just not true.
As follower of Christ, we can live life boldly in the joy of knowing that no matter what we face, we will not ultimately be overcome.
Lord, Illuminate your Word so that we might grasp during this sweet season of Christmas your great love for us. Your great love that stooped to bring a bright light into this dark world. Help us to shine your light by telling others about you, risking our comfort and, if needed, even our lives. Let us take You to those who do not know You. Give us the desire to do this. Let us not merely decorate our trees with lights but let us be the light that shines your light in this dark world. In the face of every kind of hostility – spiritual darkness, evil, pride, selfishness – let us believe the power that you have to overcome the greatest hostility. Make yourself known to us more and to others through us and through your Word. Amen.
BEYOND THE NATIVITY, a four week Christmas Devotional can currently be read for FREE on Amazon’s KindleUnlimited program or it can be purchased individually for .99 on Amazon.com.
“A great December devotional to bring the focus of Christmas back to the incarnation. It has moving images with easily digestible scripture and questions on which to meditate.” -JTG, Amazon Customer Reviews
This devotional consists of four weeks of devotions at five devotions per week.
A different theme of the incarnation is presented for each week.
Week 1: The Description
Week 2: The Purpose
Week 3: The Manifestation
Week 4: The Importance and Rewards
Each week’s meditation topic will have five devotions that will include a scripture to read and a historical artistic piece to view. Some meditations suggest a traditional Christmas hymn to listen to which could be easily found online.
Linking up with these lovely ladies and their blogs this week:
Amy, I enjoyed how you wove the Scriptures together. We we be clean vessels that allow His light to shine through us. God Bless.
Thank you Deb…yes…I long for this too…for His light to shine through. May we cooperate with the Holy Spirit’s work in our lives…
I love the opening of John’s gospel – I’ve heard it compared to the creation story in Genesis 1 – only told from a different perspective. Thanks for linking with #SmallWonder!
Hi Kelly–Yes–I love it too. I’ve always thought it would be nice to memorize the chapter. Unfortunately it has only been a thought–I need to take action on! Thanks for the linkup!
Beautiful post, Amy. I love that point to Christ as the Light in our present darkness. Blessings! Your neighbor at Holly’s.
Thank you for visiting, Diane..He rescues us from darkness…that is a gift worth celebrating. Coming over to see you now!
“As follower of Christ, we can live life boldly in the joy of knowing that no matter what we face, we will not ultimately be overcome.” Even when things are getting us down, we know that He has overcome evil and death. Our part is to trust him even when we cannot see. Thanks for your heartfelt post. Your love for Jesus shines! Blessings to you, Amy! I’m your neighbor at the #raralinkup.
To trust when we cannot see…such a struggle for me right now. Thank you for your encouragement today…Blessings…
Yes, we are so blessed. Thanks for the reminder, neighbor. Abundant blessings!
Thanks for visiting Mari-Anna!
What a beautiful prayer, Amy! Thank you. That blessed me deeply tonight and I pray that you will be filled to overflowing with the love of God in your heart so that His light will shine out of you!
Thanks for leading us to see the power of living in His light!
Blessings,
Dawn
Thank you for sharing that you were blessed. I pray the same for you!
Beautiful post, wonderful truths. This says it all:
“As follower of Christ, we can live life boldly in the joy of knowing that no matter what we face, we will not ultimately be overcome.”
Thank you Anna…and thanks for visiting!
Loving how you beautifully preached the Word of God here using scripture, Amy. Praying you reach a multitude for Him. Here from Faith Filled Friday.
Thank you…God’s word is always beautiful!!
Your prayer is beautiful. I love this. ” let us not merely decorate our trees with lights”, yes! … let our lives be decorated by His light that we may be a beacon of hope for others.
So encouraging, Amy!
Blessings,
Dawn
Thank you, Dawn!
John 16:33 is my life verse. Thanks for sharing this beautiful post. Jesus is the light of the world and I can indeed rest in him. Please feel free to share this post with us on Literacy Musing Mondays. 😉
http://maryanderingcreatively.com/literacy-musing-helping-reluctant-readers/
Hi Mary–good to hear from you. I think I lost you for a while! Thanks for stopping by and, yes, I will try to remember to visit on Monday!
Aren’t we so privileged to be children of God and to live with the hope and the light of Christ? I cannot imagine my own small world without knowing this truth. Thank you for sharing the devotional book!
Privileged indeed! I can’t imagine life without His light either. Thanks for stopping by!
No, we won’t be overcome!! Isn’t that a great thought! I love that you ended with a beautiful prayer to help us prepare our hearts for Christmas.