We Are Light

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Scripture: Ephesians 5:8-9 (NLT)

8 For once you were full of darkness, but now you have light from the Lord. So, live as people of light! 9 For this light within you produces only what is good and right and true.

Devotion:

            Paul, in today’s scripture proclaims the truth about all of us who have been saved by being born again into new life through Jesus. He states that we have become as light itself. No longer do we need to stumble about in the darkness. We have been changed. We are new creations in Christ as Paul indicates in 2 Corinthians 5:17. As we wait to celebrate the coming of the Christ child in this season of advent, we can be of good courage knowing that we are new creatures in Christ.

            This old world is full of darkness and evil. Those who are living without Christ are seeking to cover this season under a cloud of fleshly desires. They make it their goal to see that the name of Jesus, and the thought of him coming to earth in a tiny baby, are kept out of the minds of the masses. The world celebrates a holiday of tinsel and materialism instead of the coming of the light of the world. Their celebration uses many electric lights to keep them distracted from the true light that comes in a manger in Bethlehem.

            We, who are children of the light, must be a witness is this dark and dangerous world. We must proclaim by word and deed that the true light has come into the world. Perhaps we may help some to see Jesus for who he really was. More than just any baby, Jesus came to save the world from its own destructive darkness. The light of Jesus should be on display in our lives for all to see. We must bring the love of God into the world wherever we are. People must see in us that light to which Jesus points.

            In this advent time, this old world gets darker and colder. Both physically and spiritually the world is hostile to the coming of the Christ child. We, as Christians, can and must do our part to provide the world with light and heat. Many around the world sit in the dark this advent season. We can provide them with the light they need physically and spiritually. Let us praise God the giver of light, who through his son Jesus lit the way forward in this cold and darkened world.

Prayer:

            Holy Lord, we praise you for the light that has come into this world. Thank you for this advent season. Let us rejoice in the light which you brought to earth so long ago. Lord, help us to proclaim your coming to all who can hear and listen to your words of comfort and joy. May we be a joyful presence in the world filled with you love and light. Let us shine the way forward to all the nations. Amen.

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