The Coming of Light

The Son of God is called the Light of the world. Those who believe in Him too are equally called the light of the world (Mat.5:14). The world where we shine is full of darkness. The darkness is the contrast that makes light visible. Heaven is full of pure light, the light that the present eyes cannot withstand without being blinded. When John saw the Lord Jesus in the Book of Revelation, everything about His glory was reduced so that He could communicate with John, yet His face was so full of light that John could not stand. “His face was like the sun shining in all its brilliance.” Rev 1:16.

He came as the light which was prophesied many years before by the prophets: “The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned.” Isa 9:2. Simeon, when He was born and presented at the temple, said among other things that He is “a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel." Luke 2:32. The Apostle John introduced Him as the Light of men, “In him was life, and that life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood it. … The true light that gives light to every man was coming into the world.” John 1:4-9.

The Lord Himself declared, “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. “As long as it is day, we must do the work of him who sent me. Night is coming, when no one can work. While I am in the world, I am the light of the world." John 9:4-5. Immediately Jesus finished saying this, He opened the eyes of a man that had been blind from birth. 

From the passages, it is clear that there is the light of life to have and also the works of light to do. The works of light are “to preach good news to the poor… to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn, and provide for those who grieve in Zion — to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair.” Hence Peter further explained, while preaching in Cornelius’ house, “how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power, and how he went around doing good and healing all who were under the power of the devil, because God was with him.” Acts 10:38. Our environment, including the men and the elemental powers around us, must see and experience our light.

Having celebrated Christmas and have entered into a New Year, let us remember that Jesus is no more here among us physically. He has kept us here as the light that should shine in this world of darkness. Let us make sure that we have the Light in us because only then can we shine through righteousness and holiness. He that does not have the Lord Jesus does not have the Light of life in him. Let us keep counteracting the works of darkness by doing the works of light. At last, we will enter into His heaven of eternal light where we will rest in His glory. “The city does not need the sun or the moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and the Lamb is its lamp.” Rev 21:23-24.