THE LIGHT HAS COME (EVERLASTING FATHER) – DYLAN JAHNIG
Scriptures:
Isaiah 9:1-7
John 1:1-5
Points:
1. The Speed of Light
2. The Reflection of Light
3. The Colour of Light
As we enter the Christmas season, we’re reminded of the profound truth that darkness always gives way to light. The prophecy in Isaiah 9 and its fulfilment in John 1 paint a powerful picture of Jesus as the light that overcomes darkness. This light isn’t just illumination; it’s transformative, bringing hope, restoration, and freedom from oppression. The Christmas story reassures us that God’s light is already shining in our dark spaces, actively pushing back gloom and bringing clarity.
The Light That Overcomes Darkness:
As we approach the Christmas season, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the hustle and bustle, the pressures of gift-giving, and the weight of another year coming to a close. For many, this time of year can feel dark, filled with anxiety, stress, or even sadness. But the true message of Christmas offers a powerful antidote to this darkness – a light that cannot be extinguished.
The ancient prophet Isaiah spoke of this light centuries before the first Christmas: “For people walking in darkness have seen a great light.” This prophecy finds its fulfillment in the coming of Jesus, described in the Gospel of John as “the light of men” – a light that “shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.”
This imagery of light overcoming darkness is more than just poetic language. It’s a profound spiritual truth that can transform our perspective and renew our hope. Just as physical darkness cannot exist in the presence of light, so too must spiritual darkness give way to the light of Christ.
Consider this fundamental principle: darkness is merely the absence of light. We don’t measure darkness; we measure light. When light arrives, darkness has no choice but to flee. This truth applies not only to the physical world but to our spiritual and emotional lives as well.
Many of us carry various forms of darkness within us – dark thoughts, anxiety, depression, or a general sense of gloom about the future. Some of this darkness may stem from our own choices, while other shadows may have been cast by the actions of others. Regardless of its source, the light of Christ has the power to dispel it all.
The Christmas story reminds us that God doesn’t wait for us to find our way out of the darkness. Instead, He sends His light directly into our shadowy places. Jesus comes as “Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace” – titles that speak to His ability to address every form of darkness we might face.
This light is not just illuminating; it’s transformative. It doesn’t simply expose our darkness; it has the power to change us from within. It brings an end to oppression, reveals truth, restores relationships, and sets us apart in a world that often feels consumed by shadows.
As we reflect on this reality, we’re invited to see our circumstances through a new lens. Those areas of our lives that feel bleak or hopeless are prime candidates for God’s light to shine. Just as the rising sun gradually illuminates the world around us, so too does the light of Christ progressively brighten the dark corners of our hearts and minds.
But how do we practically embrace this light in our daily lives? Here are three key aspects to consider:
- The Speed of Light: This represents the reach of God’s grace. Just as light travels faster than anything else in the universe, God’s grace can outpace our attempts to run or hide from Him. No matter how far we feel we’ve strayed, His love can find us.
- The Reflection of Light: We’re called not just to receive God’s light but to reflect it to others. In a world that often demands perfection or judges harshly, we can choose to be reflections of God’s unconditional love and grace.
- The Colour of Light: Light brings colour to our world, and similarly, the light of Christ can add vibrancy and joy to our lives and relationships. We’re encouraged to speak words of life, to act with unexpected kindness, and to bring “colour” to the lives of those around us.
As we navigate this Christmas season, we’re challenged to look for opportunities to be bearers of light in similar ways. It might be through a kind word to a stressed retail worker, a moment of patience in holiday traffic, or reaching out to someone who might be feeling lonely during this time of year.
This is the message of Christmas: the light has come. As we celebrate the birth of Jesus, we’re not just commemorating a historical event. We’re participating in an ongoing story of light overcoming darkness. The same light that shone in Bethlehem over two thousand years ago is still shining today, ready to illuminate our hearts and homes.
As we embrace this truth, may we find our hearts echoing the ancient prophecy: “The people walking in darkness have seen a great light.” And may that light transform us, guide us, and shine through us, bringing hope and joy to a weary world.
Discussion Questions
- How does the concept of ‘darkness always giving way to light’ apply to challenges in your own life?
- In what ways can we actively reflect God’s grace rather than simply responding to the demands of the world?
- How might focusing on Jesus as the ‘Everlasting Father’ change our perspective on our earthly struggles?
- What are some practical ways we can bring ‘colour’ to others’ lives this Christmas season?
- How does understanding Jesus as ‘light’ impact our view of His ability to transform dark situations?
- How can we cultivate a mindset that sees beyond our current ‘darkness’ to the light that God promises?
- How can we apply the idea of ‘transformative light’ to our relationships and daily interactions?
- In what ways can we be more intentional about pursuing our relationship with our Heavenly Father during this Christmas season?
Prayer: Heavenly Father, we thank You for sending Jesus, the Light that overcomes all darkness. In this season of celebration, remind us that no shadow is too deep for Your love to illuminate. As we reflect on the speed of Your grace, the beauty of Your reflection in us, and the vibrant colour Your presence brings to our lives, may we be transformed by Your light. Let us carry this light to others, bringing hope, joy, and peace to a weary world. Guide us to walk in Your truth, rest in Your presence, and shine as beacons of Your everlasting love.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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