Light in a Dark World

The Apostle John uses two familiar metaphors to describe righteousness and sin. These metaphors, darkness and light, used throughout his gospel and his first epistle to demonstrate that those who walk in darkness are associated with the world and its lifestyle compared to those who walk in light in obedience to God. More than just teaching these concepts, John also uses Biblical characters to illustrate his point. For example, Nicodemus, a Pharisee, came to Jesus in the night, but later identified himself with Jesus in the light at Jesus’ death (3:21; 19:38-42). On the other hand, Judas who walked with the true Light betrayed Jesus in the Garden at night (John 12:35-36; 13:30).

There came a man sent from God, whose name was John. He came as a witness, to testify about the Light, so that all might believe through him. He was not the Light, but he came to testify about the Light. There was the true Light which, coming into the world, enlightens every man. He was in the world, and the world was made through Him, and the world did not know Him. He came to His own, and those who were His own did not receive Him. But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God. (John 1:6-13)

In the prologue to John’s gospel, he begins his message with a high Christology directing our attention to the grand entrance of the True Light, Christ. Before Christ arrived on the scene, God sent one ahead to testify to the coming of the True Light. John was the revealer of the One to come. He was not the true Light, but he was the revealer of the Light. John contrasted John to those who rejected the Light. Christ came to His own and His own chose not to receive him. He extends an invitation to any who may receive Him. Which will you become: a revealer or concealer? We have the choice to reveal the power and victory of the Gospel message to many during this Christmas season. When we choose not to share that message, we are indeed concealing it.