I John 2:8-10

“I am writing you a new commandment that is true in him and in you, because the darkness is passing away and the true light is already shining. Whoever says, “I am in the light,” while hating a brother or sister, is still in the darkness. Whoever loves a brother or sister abides in the light, and in such a person there is no cause for stumbling.”

We have just been singing Christmas carols like “O Little Town of Bethlehem” where Phillips Brooks, author, writes, “… yet in thy dark streets shineth the everlasting light,” and there in Bethlehem, “Christ is born of Mary.” Yes, Christ has come as our “everlasting light.”

Then the wisemen follow a star – light – and find Jesus. On January 6th, we celebrate this event and so begins a season we call “Epiphany,” which means a shining of light, a manifestation.

The Gospels record that Jesus declares himself to be “The Light of the world” (John 8:12). This Light cannot be extinguished – not even by death! And so, the story of God’s love is recorded.

To walk in the light means we remove our blindfolds so we can see fully. Light brings us hope and a way to see what God sees, a broken world with so much potential, a world just waiting for healing and a glimpse of what is truly possible. Jesus, this Light, teaches us to love and care and exhorts us to “Let your light so shine before others, that they may see your good works and give glory to God, the Father.” (Matthew 5:16)

Since this “light of the world” has shown us what it means to “walk in the light,” the writer of I John reminds us that if we are a follower of Jesus, we will show love to others and be careful never to cause someone to stumble in their life journey.

Prayer: God of light, open our eyes to see You, our everlasting light. Amen.