It was one of those rare mornings when I awoke before the sunrise. The world was still asleep as I found my way, coffee in hand, to a chair to watch the first few rays of light shoot above the horizon. Bit by bit, the country side began to be illuminated until the light of the morning sun had exposed every corner. The neighborhood, once shrouded in darkness, was soon brilliantly lit and awake.

This is the way Jesus came into the world - as the Light that began by illuminating a small corner of this earth and quickly brought light to many who had been living in darkness.

As the prophet Isaiah predicted, the people walking in darkness beheld a great light. They had been living under the delusion that they could see, when in reality, they had been stumbling around in deep darkness until Jesus, the Light of the world, opened their eyes and hearts. (Isaiah 9:2)

Not everyone would accept the light that Jesus offered. Not everyone was willing to change his own perception of life. They preferred the dark. It is still that way today. Many prefer the comfort of old beliefs. This is the judgment: Light came into the world, but people loved darkness and ran from the light because they weren't interested in pleasing God. (John 3:19)

Jesus said that he was the light of the world. Following him brings a soul out of darkness and into the light. In that light is true life. (John 8:12)

I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness.
John 12:46

The prophet Isaiah told of the future, of the new heaven and the new earth.
The sun will no more be your light by day, nor will the brightness of the moon shine on you, for the Lord will be your everlasting light, and your God will be your glory.
Isaiah 60:19

In Revelation, we are told of the new heaven and the new earth. In the Holy City, the New Jerusalem, there will be no sun or moon. The glory of God will give it light and Jesus the Lamb will be its lamp. (Revelation 21)

We who believe are the fortunate ones. God called us to know Jesus and receive the light. He calls us a chosen people, royal priests, his own possession. As a result, in the words we speak and in the life we live, we will show others the goodness of God. (1 Peter 2:9)

Jesus said to his followers, You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.
Matthew 5:14

The Light came into the world two thousand years ago. Now, we each have light to reflect outward to the world. Just as with this morning's sunrise, someday, God's light will illuminate every dark corner and the world will be brilliantly lit and awake.





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