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.”
John 1:4-5
Jesus came as a light in the darkness. He came as a fulfillment of God’s centuries old promise, after 400 silent years. Yes, that’s right. People had not heard from God for 400 years. Those are the years between the Old Testament and the New Testament. Yet, God’s people continued to wait and hope for the day that God would keep His word. Imagine a world without hearing from God. That must have seemed like some pretty dark times. When God sent His angel, Gabriel, to speak to Zechariah, announcing the coming birth of John the Baptist, the silence was shattered! Yet, John was only the forerunner of God’s son arriving. The best was yet to come. Jesus was coming soon! What excitement and renewal of hope in God’s promise to send a Savior.
Jesus did indeed come, and He arrived in a very humble manner. Born among animals, in a town too crowded for a proper bed. This tiny baby’s arrival came with the birth announcement of a bright and shining star, placed over the place where the baby lay. This brilliant display of light was a sign to all that the Light of the World had arrived. Wise men followed this star in a long journey to find what had caused this great light. When they arrived, even as only a small child, being in His presence, they were provoked to worship Him. King Jesus, the fulfillment of God’s promise. The Redeemer, born so that He might remove the darkness of sin that had filled the hearts of the people God had created and loved. John 1:4-5 describes Jesus in this way, “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.”
We live in a world today that is filled with the darkness of evil and sin. Hatred, envy, murder, pride, and selfishness can seem to be the loudest voices we hear. Yet, when light shines, it chases away the darkness. Those who have accepted God’s gift of forgiveness actually have the Spirit of Christ within them. Therefore, Jesus shines through us to a hurting world in need of God’s love and mercy. God can use each of us, to draw people unto Himself, to help people see their need for a Savior, who is Jesus. Especially during this season of Christmas with all its candles and lights, let us be reminded that we too are light in this dark world. May our lives reflect the light, love and joy that is a result of Christ in us. Shine King Jesus, Shine!
Resources
For a complete Bible story worship experience with your child, please go to ministrygrid.lifeway.com and create or log in to your free account. Then follow this link for this week’s lesson: Angels Told Good News.
Children Grades Kinder-4th join us for JESUS’ Birthday Party. Register Today!
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