REMINDER JESUS IS THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD

A fresh cut tree is a tree that has been recently cut from the trunk of the tree. Since it no longer receives water and food from the roots, the bottom of the tree must be put in a stand with water to keep the needles from drying out and falling off of the tree. The tree will eventually wither and die because it no longer is connected to, or abides in, the trunk and roots. Christmas trees can remind us that we grow in the life Christ has given us by remaining in Him.

4 In (Jesus) was life, and the life was the light of men. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. 6 There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. 7 He came as a witness, to bear witness about the light, that all might believe through him. 8 He was not the light, but came to bear witness about the light. 9 The true light, which gives light to everyone, was coming into the world. 10 He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world did not know him. 11 He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him. 12 But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, 13 who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.

John 1:4-13

The word ‘darkness’ can mean different things. Darkness may describe a lack of knowledge or a wrong way of thinking. Darkness may refer to death. Darkness can also mean the power of evil. Jesus is the Light Who overcomes all forms of darkness.

Jesus Is the Light Who Gives Us Understanding

As the Light, Jesus gives us a fuller understanding of who God is. As the Light shining in the darkness, Jesus enables us to find our way to God.

Jesus Is the Light Who Delivers Us from Death

Jesus is the Light who rescues us from death. Light is necessary for life. Seeds planted in the ground need water and light in order to spring into life. In the same way, we need the Light of Christ’s Gospel in order to have eternal life.

Jesus Is the Light Who Frees Us from Sin’s Power

Jesus is the Light who defeats the power of darkness. If you enter a dark room and turn on the Christmas lights, the darkness disappears. Light overcomes darkness. In the same way, Jesus, as the Light, defeats the darkness and releases us from its power.

Jesus says that He is the Light and we overcome darkness through Him: “Jesus spoke to them, saying, “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). Jesus said we find light in Him. As we believe and follow Jesus, He will rescue us from darkness.

Remember

As you look at beautiful Christmas lights, remember that Jesus is the light of the world who leads us out of darkness.

Discuss

John the Baptist was a witness to Jesus, the light of the world. How can you be a witness to the light?

Pray

Jesus, thank you for being our light and defeating the darkness. Thank you for delivering us from all types of darkness. Help us to be a light for you!