The one who is the true light, who gives light to everyone, was coming into the world. John 1:9
From the top of a hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada, shines one of the brightest, most visible beams of light on earth. It’s so bright that a book could be read from its light miles away in space. At night, it also attracts insects, bats that feed on them, and owls that eat the bats. The city lights recently attracted a huge swarm of grasshoppers from miles around, dazzled by that unusually bright beam.
The light that shines from heaven is brighter still. But far from feeding any food chain, this divine source of light gives life to all who will come. John described it this way: “The one who is the true light, who gives light to everyone, was coming into the world. He came into the very world he created, but the world didn’t recognize him. . . . But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God” (John 1:9–10, 12).
Jesus said, “I am the light of the world” (John 8:12). The light of His perfect, loving life shines as the one true beacon of hope for everyone on earth who longs to come out of the darkness. Through His cross and empty tomb, Jesus welcomes us to believe in Him and receive forgiveness, so that even we may become God’s cherished sons and daughters, and begin life anew in His love. James Banks
How has God’s “true light” made a difference in your life? In what practical way can you share His love with another today?
God of light and life, I praise You for rescuing me from the darkness. Please help me to shine Your light today!
John 1:9–18
9 The one who is the true light, who gives light to everyone, was coming into the world. 10 He came into the very world he created, but the world didn’t recognize him. 11 He came to his own people, and even they rejected him. 12 But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God. 13 They are reborn—not with a physical birth resulting from human passion or plan, but a birth that comes from God. 14 So the Word became human and made his home among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness. And we have seen his glory, the glory of the Father’s one and only Son. 15 John testified about him when he shouted to the crowds, “This is the one I was talking about when I said, ‘Someone is coming after me who is far greater than I am, for he existed long before me.” 16 From his abundance we have all received one gracious blessing after another. 17 For the law was given through Moses, but God’s unfailing love and faithfulness came through Jesus Christ. 18 No one has ever seen God. But the unique One, who is himself God, is near to the Father’s heart. He has revealed God to us.
