Wonder Of Advent #25

Light and Life

Read: John 1:1-14

The Word gave life to everything that was created, and his life brought light to everyone.

John 1:4

THE WORD WAS THERE in the beginning. He was not only with God, he was God. So wrote John, well aware of the extravagance of this claim. But who could dispute it? The child of promise fulfilled ancient prophecies as no other person in history had. Isaiah told us that those who live in a dark world would see a great light, and we did. The darkness could not overcome him, and it still can’t. When the Word that spoke the world into existence actually stepped into that world in human flesh, all the forces of rebellion and deception began to become undone. The Incarnation inaugurated an entirely new genesis. The ways of the world may look unchanged to many, but the ways of the Kingdom will prevail. There is now a stream of life flowing through this world that cannot be cut off.

That’s the picture John gives us to begin his Gospel. It echoes Genesis for a reason; this is a new creation at work, a fundamentally different kind of light and life that has entered into the world. Scripture affirms the radical nature of the Incarnation. The Anointed One is the leaven in the loaf, the seed in the soil, the treasure buried in the field, the light that pierced the darkness, and so much more. He gave life to everything that was created, and he came again to recreate life in everyone who lost it and has the faith to enter into it again. There’s a reason magi were guided by a star. Jesus shines brilliantly, even in the darkest of nights.

The implication is profound. Isaiah prophesied that the people in darkness would see a great light and rise and shine with the radiance of God (Isaiah 60:1-3). The life that has come into the world gives light to everyone—not just to enjoy, but to reflect. Like a glow-in-the-dark surface that absorbs the nearest source of light, we are changed when we sit in the presence of the radiant one. We begin to shine with his glory. We absorb his brilliance and reflect it. By drawing near to him, we become like him. We walk in the light just as he is in the light.

Embrace that mission. It’s your calling. The light that came into the world is meant to be shared. Christ has foretold your radiance, and a dark world around you needs what you have. Let his light—now your light—shine.

Prayer

Lord, spare me from any false humility that dims the light you have given me. Overwhelm me with your radiance. Let me absorb it fully. May I be a pure reflection of the life and light you have given. Amen.

REFLECTION

How does spending time with God transform us into his likeness? In what ways are we meant to shine in this world?

Further reading: 1 John 1:5-7

Son of God, love’s pure light

radiant beams from thy holy face

with the dawn of redeeming grace.

“SILENT NIGHT,” JOSEPH MOHR