Christ

written by Dorian Watson, M.A.

THE CHRIST LIGHT
“The true light, which gives light to everyone, was coming into the world.” John 1:9

A white candle is lit to represent Christ during Advent. Candles give light so that what is unseen because of darkness can become visible. The Christ is the true light, which gives light to everyone, so that they may clearly see all that has been hidden by the darkness of sin. Isaiah prophesied about the light that would come into the world.

“The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shone.” Isaiah 9:2

Christ’s coming would not only illuminate the land, but the hearts and minds of all as well. “In him was life, and the life was the light of men.” John 1:4

Loving relationship with the Father is essential to life. Jesus Christ was sent into the world to restore the relationship of men with God so that they could have that which was necessary to keep them out of the dark. “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life,” John 8:12. We receive the right to become children of God through Christ. This relationship illuminates the spirit of the inner man, providing us with strength and knowledge (Ephesians 3:16-17).

“The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” John 1:5

Having been illuminated from within, our own light can shine forth to penetrate the darkness. Drawing from the riches of Christ’s glory, we can stand firm against the enemy that seeks to keep us shrouded in shadows. The present trouble may make it seem like victory is far off and that the night has triumphed over the day. Today reminds us that because Christ is born, we can rejoice in the defeat of our adversary. Today we delightedly hope in the coming of His kingdom.

“As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.” John 9:5

The flame of the Christ candle in your Advent wreath will be extinguished at the end of the day, but the light of Christ in the world will never be put out. Jesus ascended to the right hand of the Father, but the light He brought into the world remains through us. We are the light of the world (Matthew 5:14), and God has invited us to participate in His master plan of redemption. Although Christmas Day will pass, we must continue to shine the light Christ gave us, through the sharing of the good news and the making of disciples. As we do, the radiance of the glory of God will be able to come forth, and we will see the manifestation of Revelation 21:23-24: “And the city has no need of sun or moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and its lamp is the Lamb. By its light will the nations walk, and the kings of the earth will bring their glory into it.”