There are some basic biblical and life truths in the gospel of John that we do well to note. Last Sunday I made quick mention of the contrasts John includes in his writing. One such sharp contrast was contained in the text from the sermon last week. Light and darkness are the terms that are compared. John says, “And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it.” (John 1:5) These words are reminiscent of the very early words in Genesis. “The earth was without form, and void; and darkness was on the face of the deep.” (Genesis 1:2) Into this darkness, God speaks. “Then God said, ‘Let there be light;’ and there was light.” (Genesis 1:3) The message must not be missed. When God speaks, or when He comes on the scene, darkness is dispelled.
Think about how physical light was associated with the coming of Christ into this world. The shepherds observed it the night of His birth. The Bible says that the “glory of the Lord shone around them.” Later, Magi from the East would come to worship the newborn child. They had “seen His star.”
The spiritual lesson taken from the physical expressions of light is more easily understood when we ponder Jesus’ own words, “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.” (John 8:12) Just as a light keeps you from stumbling in the dark, following Jesus will keep you from stumbling through life.
— Terry A. Morrison