Light in the Darkness
Whether in the Bible, the classics, or in contemporary or comic book literature, darkness is synonymous with evil. So, in one sense, we fear darkness where bad things happen, where things that go “bump in the night” scare us. But in another sense, Scripture says that men prefer to be unenlightened and in the pitch black where we can conceal our rebellious natures and brokenness, where we can deny who we really are. (John 3:16-20)
This contrasts with God, who “ is light and in Him is no darkness.” (1 John 1:5) In the words of the Psalmist “God lightens my darkness,”(Psalm 18:28) and “even the darkness is not dark to you; the night is bright as the day, for darkness is as light with you.” (Psalm 139:12)
Our Creator knew our dreary, fallen world needed His Christmas gift! Jesus came as an illuminator. Christ did not come to condemn us, but His presence exposes us to the reality that we are all sinners in need of God’s help to become who we are created to be. But more than that, He dispels the gloom. He came as the solution and healer for the darkness of our souls. He is “the Light of the world” who gave the great promise that “he who follows me shall not walk in the darkness but shall have the light of life.” (John 8:12)
Just as the moon dispels the shadows, when Christmas truth becomes a faith-reality, spiritual darkness is overcome. The Apostle Paul described those with this belief as becoming “children of light.” And songwriter Tim Hughes beautifully captures the hope which that long ago, unique night gave the world:
“Light of the world, You stepped down into darkness/ Opened my eyes, let me see beauty that made this heart adore You/ Hope of a life spent with You”
Merry Christmas