Light of the World
3,500 years ago, God called His people (the Israelites) out of Egypt, through the Red Sea, and into the land that He had promised them. This is the story of the Exodus, and is recorded for us in the second book of the Bible. As the Israelites left Egypt God led them at night represented by a fire the people could see. Like a child is comforted by their night light, so the children of Israel were comforted in their journey by the fire in the sky, reminding them that God was with them.
Fast forward 1,500 years to the time of Jesus. While the rest of the Israelites were celebrating the Festival of the Tabernacle (remembering when God led them like a fire at night), Jesus makes an amazing assertion. He says in John 8:12, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows Me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” In this statement, Jesus was making a few VERY important points:
- Jesus is the light. In the time of the Exodus, the people saw a fire cloud in the sky. That was nice. But, Jesus is even better! The fire in the sky was a presence, but it was a presence that did not talk or provide a 3-D example of what God was like. Jesus is our reminder that God is with us, a Living Light!
- Jesus is the Light of the World! In the time of the Exodus, the fire was only for the people of Israel. However, by saying that Jesus was the light of the world, Jesus was pointing out that ALL people, regardless of nationality can be encouraged by His presence.
- Jesus invites us to Follow Him. His Light is not just meant to comfort, it is meant to direct.
- If we follow Him we will not walk in darkness. Jesus will never lead us to sin. He only leads us towards righteousness. He is out for our growth, not our destruction.
- If we follow Him, we will have life. Darkness leads to death. Don’t believe me? Put your favorite flower in the dark closet for a week and see if it survives. Jesus is the Light of Life . . . He came to give us life, not take it from us!
At Christmas time, we often have lights as a part of our decorations: on trees, on our homes, etc. This is so appropriate, because Jesus is the Light of the world! Lauren Daigle’s song “Light of the World” reminds us of that as well. As we sing this song, or look at Christmas lights, be reminded of God’s presence with us, and His desire that we walk in obedience following Jesus’ commands and example. If we do, we will have life as God intended!
Light of the World
The world waits for a miracle
The heart longs for a little bit of hope
Oh come, oh come, Emmanuel
A child prays for peace on Earth
And she’s calling out from a sea of hurt
Oh come, oh come, Emmanuel
And can you hear the angels singing
Glory to the light of the world
Glory, the light of the world is here
The drought breaks with the tears of a mother
A baby’s cry is the sound of love
Come down, come down, Emmanuel
He is the song for the suffering
He is Messiah, the Prince of Peace has come
He has come, Emmanuel
Glory to the light of the world
For all who wait
For all who hunger
For all who’ve prayed
For all who wonder
Behold your King
Behold Messiah
Emmanuel, Emmanuel
Glory to the light of the world
Glory to the light of the world
Glory to the light of the world
Behold your King
Behold Messiah
Emmanuel, Emmanuel
The world waits for the miracle
The heart longs for a little bit of hope
Oh come, oh come Emmanuel
To access all 31 days of the “Christmas Light” Devotional, click here.
To access the “Christmas Light” Playlist: