Light of the world

It is another season of Christmas, and there is excitement in the air!

It should not be a surprise that Christmas generates so much excitement every year. The birth of the Lord Jesus Christ remains a watershed event in the history of humanity. It was good news then, and it remains good news till now, because the birth of Jesus Christ, the Son of God, signalled the beginning of a new era for all humanity. The angel that announced His birth proclaimed thus:

Luke 2:10-11  …Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

Why is the birth of Jesus Christ such good news that should generate continual excitement? It is because He came to address the deepest or most fundamental need of man. Jesus Christ, the last Adam, restored the glory that was lost through the first Adam. He is described severally as the Light of the world; He came to deliver humanity from spiritual darkness and its attendant consequences. In Luke chapter 1 verse 78, Zechariah the father of John the Baptist prophesied about the Dayspring from on high (Jesus Christ). He went on to explain the reason for the earthly visitation on the Dayspring thus:

Luke 1:79  To give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.

Zechariah’s prophecy reveals that the light of Christ can deliver from darkness and death. It can also lead to peace. Interestingly, the world is searching for peace. Global and regional bodies have been set up in the pursuit of peace. Meetings and conferences have been held, agreements and treaties have been signed, yet global peace has so far remained elusive. Meanwhile, all we need to have real peace is to embrace the Prince of peace, who came into the world to show us the way of peace. Those who follow Him in spirit and in truth always find lasting peace. He says,

John 14:27  Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

Jesus Christ declared by Himself that He is the light of the world. In the book of John, it was recorded that He said:

John 8:12  … I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.

John 12:46  I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness. 

It is unprofitable to partake of the eating, drinking and merrymaking that accompany Christmas, but not receive the light of Christ. You must not play with physical Christmas lights while your life continues to lack the spiritual light of Christ. Therefore, this Christmas week, please receive the Light of the world into your heart. Accept the Good News of the Gospel; yield your life to Jesus Christ, and experience the indescribable peace that those who dwell in the Light always enjoy.

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