Week 3: The Light of the World
Scripture uses the motif of darkness and light to describe the Promised One—and Jesus identified himself as this prophesied light. In him, we experience salvation and spiritual illumination. But Jesus is not only the light for us as individuals—he is a light for all nations. Jesus is the Light of the World.
Read Colossians 1:9–14 and 1 Peter 2:9
It’s a natural instinct to fear the dark. We know that bad things happen under cover of darkness. The same is true of spiritual darkness. Scripture tells us that the domain of darkness is where fruitless deeds reside and where ungodliness and evil dwell (Eph. 5:8–12). If we’re under the control of darkness, we have no fellowship with God (1 John 1:5–7).
But Jesus came to deliver those blinded by darkness—to deliver us! Now, as people who dwell in the light of Christ, we strive to walk in a manner suitable for those who follow Jesus. We walk worshipfully, giving thanks for the great inheritance we have as coheirs with Christ.
In the beginning, God declared, “Let there be light,” bringing day into existence (Gen. 1:3). God also declares, “Let there be light” in our own lives, referring not to the cosmos but to the light of the gospel in our hearts that enables us to see the glory of Christ (2 Cor. 4:6). The Light of the World himself stepped down into the darkness of this world, into the darkness of our hearts, and opened our eyes so that we could declare the praises of him who called us out of darkness and into his wonderful light. In that light, there is righteousness, peace, and joy.
As citizens of Christ’s kingdom of light, we have redemption, forgiveness, and fellowship with God. He made us—who once relished the darkness—his treasured possession.
God chose a people who would be his very own and reflect his holy character. He chose a people who would both embrace and transcend ethnic distinctions, declaring his praises within the beautiful diversity of his family. He chose a people to whom he would give the full privileges and blessings of the priesthood of believers—that is, direct access to God’s very presence. The veil that once prohibited us from drawing near to God was torn so that “a new and living way” would open to us through Christ (Heb. 10:20). He chose a people whom he would welcome in his presence at all times—a people who would declare his praises as we offer individual and corporate spiritual sacrifices to God.
This Advent season, we celebrate the Promised One who delivered us from darkness, who called us into his wonderful light so that we might bask in the Son and declare his praises.
Kristie Anyabwile is the author of Literarily: How Understanding Bible Genres Transforms Bible Study and the editor of His Testimonies, My Heritage.
Contemplate Colossians 1:9–14 and 1 Peter 2:9.
What does it mean for you to live as part of the kingdom of light? How has Jesus, the Light, brought you understanding and purpose?
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