THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD

Christmas is a season filled with light. One of our favorite traditions this time of year is riding around to look at Christmas lights. If my daughter Myla is in the car and she spots lights, you better brace yourself—she screams at the top of her lungs like something terrible just happened. But it’s not danger at all—it’s delight. She just loves the lights. And honestly, so do we.

You can ride down South Cherokee this time of year and the whole strip is glowing. There’s one house—half an acre it seems—completely covered with lights. Some places take it to another level. Busch Gardens in Williamsburg has over ten million Christmas lights. Callaway Gardens here in Georgia lights up more than eight million. McAdenville, North Carolina is known as Christmas Town USA. Lights everywhere.

There’s just something about light—especially when the world feels dark.

Jesus understood that. In John 8:12 He said,

“I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.”

That statement forces us to ask three important questions.

1. The Nature of Darkness

The Bible often uses darkness to describe life apart from God—not just evil actions, but spiritual separation and ignorance.

Ephesians 5:8 says,

“For ye were sometimes darkness…”

Even believers can drift into darkness. Not because we lose salvation, but because busyness, sin, neglect of Scripture, and distance in our walk can dull the light. It happens slowly. Quietly. Before we realize it, we’re walking in shadows again.

Darkness also speaks of spiritual ignorance. We have the Word of God—yet how easy it is to close our Bibles on Sunday and not open them again until the next service. This Book is not decoration. It’s a lifeline.

I know from experience—when I neglect the Word, I feel it. Worry creeps in. Peace fades. Fellowship weakens. That’s what darkness does.

And for those without Christ, darkness is complete separation from God. No light. No life. No hope—until Jesus steps in.

2. The Source of Light

Jesus didn’t say He brings light. He said,

“I am the light of the world.”

Every light has a source. Christmas lights don’t shine on their own. Until they’re plugged in, they’re useless—just tangled cords in a box.

That’s exactly what life looks like apart from Christ.

Acts 17:28 reminds us,

“For in him we live, and move, and have our being.”

James 1:17 declares that every good gift comes from the Father of lights.
1 Corinthians 8:6 tells us all things are by Him and for Him.

Joy doesn’t come from money. Peace doesn’t come from success. Fulfillment doesn’t come from climbing ladders. Those things fade. But when we return to the Source—when we plug back into Christ—the light comes on again.

If you’re in a dark place, admit it. There’s no shame in honesty. The answer isn’t pretending—it’s returning. Go back to God. Go back to where the light first came on.

3. The Function of Light

Jesus said those who follow Him will “have the light of life.” That light has purpose.

Fellowship
1 John 1:7 says if we walk in the light, we have fellowship with Him and with one another. Light restores closeness—with God and with His people.

Fruitfulness
Matthew 5:16 commands us to let our light shine so others may glorify God. When Christ lights our lives, people notice. Conversations open. Witnessing opportunities appear. Light reproduces light.

Visibility
Matthew 5:14 reminds us that a city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Christians were never meant to blend into the darkness—we were meant to stand out.

Light doesn’t exist for storage. It exists for shining.

This Christmas season, the greatest light on display isn’t found on houses, gardens, or city streets—it’s found in Jesus Christ. And when He lights your life, darkness has no choice but to flee.

Plug back in. Walk in the light. Let it shine.