The Spirit of Light

By Rebecca Peele

Chicago, Illinois, USA

In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it… The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world.  John 1:4-5, 9

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

As the fall and winter seasons creep into the Northern Hemisphere, days in Chicago grow much shorter. A few weeks ago, during our annual switch from Daylight Saving Time to Standard Time in the United States, we set our clocks back one hour, which means that darkness now falls much earlier in the day. We experience the sunshine for shorter periods of time and darkness much longer. If I’m being honest, being in the dark for such long periods of time is not my favorite. It can make me feel sad and bring out not-so-pleasant feelings inside of me. The longer I experience the darkness, the more I long for the sun’s light.

Sitting in spiritual darkness is no different. I can recall a few times in my life when I sat in that place of longing: Once, before I was a Christian and wandering around in the darkness of religious emotionalism. Once, after I became a Christian and was hiding in the sin of deep impurity in a relationship. And most recently, after my son died during childbirth and I was sitting in the darkness of grief and spiritual crisis. In all these situations, whether I thrust myself into the darkness or was forced there because of the brokenness of this life, my soul was longing for and redeemed by God’s light and the truth and freedom that is found there. 

Sometimes the light catches us by surprise and makes us shudder, as with our reaction at the sudden and unexpected flick of a light switch. Through hearing a convicting sermon, scripture (Psalm 119:105, 130) or piece of advice from a trusted friend, the exposure from the light can feel uncomfortable; but it ultimately provides us with truth, the kind of truth which Jesus says sets us free (John 8:32). Sometimes, we know logically the light will come, but we don’t feel it or experience it; like in our moments of shame and grief, when it feels like the darkness will finally overcome us. And then slowly, like a beautiful fall sunrise, the light inches in bit by bit. Psalm 18:28 says, “You, LORD, keep my lamp burning; my God turns my darkness into light.” Thank you, God, for turning our darkness into light! 

Psalm 139:11-12 says, “If I say, 'Surely the darkness will hide me and the light become night around me,’ even the darkness will not be dark to you; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you.” Our God is not threatened by the darkness. Darkness tries to overcome within us and outside of us, but it simply cannot and will not prevail in the light of our most precious Savior.

This time of year, we celebrate the breaking in of the True Light of the World, the One who both delivers us from the chains of darkness and heals us when we find ourselves wounded by it. When we put up our Christmas lights this year, may they serve as a small, twinkling reminder of the One who 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) and let us follow Him faithfully and courageously as agents of His beautiful, glorious light.  

Questions for Reflection:

1. Do a Bible study on the word “light” - what scripture speaks to you this Advent season? Take a moment to share it with a friend.
2. Think about a time when you experienced the darkness of sin, shame, grief, etc. How did God’s light redeem you? Reflect on this time and give thanks to God for it.
3. Check out the Bible Project’s video (see link below) on what it means for Jesus to be the Light of the World. What surprises you? What encourages you? 

Bible Project Video Link: https://bibleproject.com/bible-studies/light-of-the-world/