Darkness is nothing more than the absence of light. You cannot have total darkness if even a speck of light is present. Darkness can never overcome light. However vast darkness may appear, light will always triumph over it. We are able to see because light (electromagnetic radiation) interacts with matter allowing the human eye to detect shapes and forms. Light is also absorbed by and reflected from objects (wave distribution) allowing the brain to identify what we call color. Sounds like a bunch of scientific jargon right? Perhaps, but I only make reference to this so that you understand the importance and the power of light.

God created the sun, the moon, and the stars to be the light of this world (Genesis 1:16-17), but according to Jesus, we are the light of the world (Matthew 5:13). Jesus also declared himself to be the light of the world (John 8:12). So, was Jesus confused? Does the Bible contradict itself? What or who is truly the light of the world? The Bible says that God is light and that in Him there is no darkness (1 John 1:5). It was God who created the physical light that most of us can appreciate. This light is the one that temporarily overcomes the effects of physical darkness. However, Jesus (God incarnate) himself is the spiritual light that eternally overcomes the effects of spiritual darkness, namely sin.  When we receive Jesus as Savior, His light becomes our light. Just like the Fresnel lens (pronounced “Fre-nel,” with a silent “s”) of a lighthouse, which absorbs the rays of its light source (a lamp) and concentrates it into a super-powerful beam, we are reflectors of God’s light. We absorb and concentrate the saving light of Christ and emit a powerful beam (our testimony) which God uses to reach those who are spiritually lost. Because His light is our light we never walk in darkness, no matter how dim and tenebrous life may appear at times. So when darkness tries to engulf you, draw closer to Jesus, the light source. Declare his promises verbally, sing praises to his name audibly, and walk in his redeeming light confidently. Sooner or later someone will see, be drawn to and follow the Light!

Prayer: Father of light, let your light shine brightly within me. Your word lights my path and your praises brighten up the gloomiest of days. I will walk fearlessly through any valley because you are my light. May others see your light in me so that they may be drawn to you. I ask this in the name of Jesus, the Light of the world. Amen.

SCRIPTURES
“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden;” -Matthew 5:14

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

Believe in the light while you have the light, so that you may become children of light.” -John 12:36a

-All Scripture is quoted from the NIV unless otherwise stated.