Young Adults' Group

A Light Has Shined

by Pastor Mark
December 03, 2014

The light of Christmas

We often associate lights with Christmas. Whether it is within the coziness of our homes or the bright streets of Orchard Road, we see Christmas lights hung on Christmas trees or integrated with beautiful Christmas decoration. It is always a special joy to look at these lights brightly lit alongside all the other Christmas ornaments….something that everyone looks forward to seeing each year.

The great light of the Lord can overcome great darkness

As we consider the symbolic idea of light during this Christmas time, let us remember the light of the Lord in this world of darkness. A special prophecy that I always like to review and appreciate during each Christmas was written by the Prophet Isaiah, “The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light.” (Isaiah 9:2) What an amazing prophecy this was!

On that first advent, the Christ Child was born…the Son of God was given to us. (Isaiah 9:6). He would become that great light to the world of darkness. No matter how great the darkness was, the light of the Lord was greater. He would shine in the darkness and the darkness would be dispelled, “Those who dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them a light has shined.” (Isaiah 9:2) The people of Israel were living in the shadow of death. For many precious souls, darkness would bring about spiritual death. When the light of Christ came into the land, the darkness was overcome. Where there is light, there is the absence of darkness.

Seeing the light of Christ

Yet why do so many continue to remain in darkness? This was something that the Apostle John addressed, “And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.” (John 1:5) The word ‘comprehend” in Greek is “katalambano” which means to lay hold, to grasp. Many people despite seeing the light are not able to grasp the light of the Lord. They do not receive the light but reject it instead.

How important it is for us to see the light of Christ and to receive it. To those who will receive Christ into their life, He will give them the right to become children of God. (John 1:12) They would be able to welcome and hold on to the light of the Lord.

The need for our loved ones to see the light

“To those who believe in His name” (John 1:12)

While Christmas is a time for us to rejoice, that joy is mixed with concerns for our loved ones who continue to remain in darkness. Let there be a sense of urgency for us to pray and to reach out to them so that they would consider having faith in the Lord Jesus. It is by faith in the Lord and His name that the light of Christ will enter into their lives and they can become part of our spiritual family…the kingdom of God.

This Christmas, let us be resolved in our efforts to share the light of Christ. We recognize that time is of the essence. We really don’t know how things will turn out in 2015. As our parents and grandparents grow older with each year and their health continues to weaken, they are a step closer to life’s inevitable end. Let us not just stand by and watch our loved ones fade into the darkness. Let us be challenged to share with them the true light of Christ that is able to overcome the darkness. Let us pray that they would be drawn to the light of Christ and to receive Him into their lives.

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