Church of Christ Studies

Season of Light

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Many, upon reading the title of this article may think this is in regard to the festive decorations that grace many homes and communities during the holiday season.     While these are often beautiful displays, there is a light offered from the source of light which all men need to see and follow. 
 

We know that God is the source of light.   In Genesis 1:3 we are told God spoke light into existence. “And God said, Let there be light: and there was light.” From that time forward man has sought to “capture” that light and use it in whatever way that best suited his purpose. 
 

Some of the things Christ said while on earth about light were things man had discovered for himself over the years. One such thing is found in Matthew 5:15.   Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. It did not take man long to figure out that things evil were best done in dimness and darkness so that they could remain hidden and avoid the rebuke and admonition of those who sought to do that which was good and proper to do.     Jesus spoke of this also and we have it recorded for us in John 3:20. For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved.
 

However, there is by far a much more important light offered to mankind by the same source of that light which warms our planet, promotes growth, and without which we would all die. That light is He who is identified for us in John 1:1-4 and provides the spiritual light which can save man from an eternity separated from God. In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 The same was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. 4 In him was life; and the life was the light of men.      We find in the book of Luke, the record of the prophecy of Zaharias the father of John the baptizer, as he was filled with the Holy Ghost regarding John and his purpose on earth.  Luke 1:79 tells us that John’s function in life was to introduce that spiritual light sent from God to man.   To give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace. 
 

As we return to the Words of Jesus, we find in John 12:46 that Christ Himself proclaimed that He came to give light to man. I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness.   And, when our Lord appeared to Saul, He told Saul who was later known as Paul (the apostle) in Acts 26:15-18 how that Paul would be a minister to direct them to that light.And I said, Who art thou, Lord? And he said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest.16 But rise, and stand upon thy feet: for I have appeared unto thee for this purpose, to make thee a minister and a witness both of these things which thou hast seen, and of those things in the which I will appear unto thee; 17 Delivering thee from the people, and from the Gentiles, unto whom now I send thee, 18 To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me. 
 

While the bright decoration of holiday lights are enjoyable to see, they are only available for a brief period of time.   Interestingly, the light sent from God, was also here in the flesh for but a brief period of time as He told us in John 9:5. As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world. But, the plan of God is set so that His light could shine among men forever through those who are the sons of God, born through obedience to the gospel. That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world; (Philippians 2:15)  We are to shine as lights to help guide those who are lost in darkness.   In fact, our Christian life is to be a “season of light”. Let us shine brightly by reflecting the Word of God so that all can see to come to God in accordance to His Word.                                                 

 

 Dennis Strickland - Mooresville