"Jesus spoke to the Pharisees again. 'I am the light of the world,' he said. 'Whoever follows me will have the light of life and will never walk in darkness.' (John 8:12) One of the first results of living a life of faith in Jesus is ceasing to take part in the works of darkness. The believer who walks with Jesus simply cannot live in darkness. However, it is more than just a passive thing. Paul indicates in (Ephesians 5:11) that believers will also oppose and rebuke the works of darkness.
Walking in the light of day means living honestly and transparently before everyone. A person who is more comfortable with a bit of darkness and lack of clarity is probably trying to hide something. "Jesus said, 'A day has twelve hours, doesn't it? So those who walk in broad daylight do not stumble, for they see the light of this world. But if they walk during the night they stumble, because they have no light.'" (John 11:9-10)
In the Sermon on the Mount Jesus told us, "You are the light of the world. . . . Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven" (Matthew 5:14- 16) RSV. Yes, the light we have to show includes our good works. When the world sees this light, they will glorify the heavenly Father.
We are now living in the end times, when everything that is hidden will be revealed. In the liturgy of our church we recite: "Oh God, you know what is in our hearts, and every desire is known by you. Nothing is hidden from your face. Sanctify our hearts with the inspiration of your Holy Spirit."
Paul exhorts us with these words: "The night is nearly over, day is almost here. Let us stop doing the things that belong to the dark, and let us take up weapons for fighting in the light. Let us conduct ourselves properly, as people who live in the light of day." (Romans 13:12-13).
May the light of Jesus in our lives push back the darkness around us today. "How can light and darkness live together?" (2 Corinthians 6:14)
- 9 DECEMBER -