For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ.
2 Corinthians 4:6

Songs of Praise in the Dark

I’m an early riser; my favorite time of the day is the time surrounding the sunrise. I usually wake up about half an hour before dawn, feed my dog, and then sit down in the quiet with a steaming hot cup of coffee and my Bible. I want to spend time with Jesus before the rush of a new day sets in. And recently, in the quiet, still darkness, I noticed something.

The little songbirds roosting in the bushes near my window began singing about fifteen minutes before dawn. What a beautiful example of trusting faith! They begin singing while it is still completely dark. They seem to have complete faith that the sun is rising in 15 minutes or so, even though they haven’t seen it yet today.

Faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we have not seen. And sure enough, after a few minutes of singing in the darkness, the sun rises up over the horizon—every single day.

Notice what this light in 2 Corinthians does: it gives us “the light of the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ.” In other words, when we see Jesus, we see God’s glory. His compassion, his mercy, his humility, and his victory over sin and death reveal what God is truly like. The world often searches for glory in power, success, or beauty. But God’s glory is most fully displayed in the suffering love of Christ on the cross and the radiant triumph of his resurrection. That is glory that shines for eternity; nothing can ever dim this light.

And this light doesn’t just surround us—it shines in our hearts. It is deeply personal. God’s Spirit makes Christ known to us in such a way that our inner beings are changed. The gospel is more than a set of truths we know with our minds. It is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes, the living reality we experience in our souls. It is the light that awakens faith, strengthens us in trials, and fills us with joy that circumstances cannot steal.

Like those little songbirds who don’t flutter around in the bushes worried about the darkness and fretting about the challenges of the day, may we also begin singing songs of praise—even when it’s still dark—because we know what is coming! His light shines out of the darkness every day and will continue to shine until we are in his fully illuminated presence for eternity.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, you have given us nature to steward, but we can also learn from it. Help me to learn trust and faith from the example of these little songbirds. Help me to sing your praises even when it seems dark and I am going through challenging times. I may not understand how you are working this out for my good, but I know that you are. Thank you for shining your light out of the darkness and into my heart so I can see your glory on display in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. Help me to continue to walk really close to Jesus and invite those around me to take a step or two closer into the light. In Jesus’ name I confidently pray. Amen.

Written by Rhoda Wolle

We also have the prophetic message as something completely reliable, and you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a light shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts.
2 Peter 1:19

Pay Attention

When was the last time you were in complete darkness? A power outage? A dark basement? Driving on a country road after a wrong turn? The wee hours of a sleepless night? These experiences help us understand why Peter urges us to “pay attention… as to a light shining in a dark place.”

• Light gives direction. In the dark, you can’t see where you’re going or whether you’re on the right path. A light helps you reach your destination.
• Light brings safety. Darkness hides dangers like tripping hazards or harmful people. Paying attention to the light helps you avoid what could harm you.
• Light gives hope. Darkness can feel overwhelming, lonely, or endless. Even a small light reminds you that the darkness won’t last forever.
• Light reveals truth. Darkness casts shadows, leaving our imagination to guess what’s there. Light exposes everything for what it truly is.

We pay attention to light in the dark not because the light is the end goal, but because it helps us navigate safely, truthfully, and hopefully until the full day arrives.

This is exactly what Peter wanted his readers to understand. As new Christians navigating life in a secular world, harmful messages were plunging them into darkness. They were “forgetting their new identity in Christ and failing to live like Christians. They were losing their confidence in the divine authority of Scripture. They were becoming too relaxed about the threat of false teachers. And they were too concerned with the here and now and not nearly mindful enough of the coming great Judgment” (The People’s Bible, James, Peter, John, Jude). They needed Peter’s clear directive to pay attention to the prophetic message of God’s Word in order to navigate safely, truthfully, and hopefully until Jesus returned.

Sound familiar? The darkness of our me-centered society, condescending political and social messaging, and a lax approach to discipleship threaten to darken our view. Without the light of God’s Word, we risk wandering into dark, dangerous, confusing, and hopeless places.

There is a final reason Peter tells us to pay attention to the prophetic message of Scripture: Light comes before dawn. The darkness of night is chased away by light in advance of the sunrise and the start of a new day. In Revelation 22:16, Jesus Christ is called the bright Morning Star. Paying attention to the light of God’s Word prepares us for the greater brightness of Christ’s full presence.

This Advent season, as you reflect on his Word, pay attention to the light it gives. It is preparing you for the coming of Jesus when there will be no darkness at all.

Prayer: Dear Jesus, as we wait this Advent season, shine the light of your Word into the dark places of our hearts and guide us safely along your paths. Strengthen our faith to trust your promises, keeping our eyes fixed on you, the bright Morning Star. Prepare us to rejoice fully in your coming, when there will be no darkness and your glory will fill all creation. Amen.

Written by Dawn Schulz

When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”
John 8:12

Living in the Light of God’s Presence

“Lord, make me a woman of the Word—a real woman of the Word.” That prayer tumbled out of my mouth in 2016 as I sat in an empty room of a new rental house in Chile. I had been a Christian my whole life: baptized as a baby, raised on Scripture at home and school. On paper, I was certainly a woman of the Word.

But my conscience knew better. Much of my adult life had been consumed with proving myself rather than growing closer to my Savior. Long hours teaching in Christian schools and over-planning left little energy for the Word. Church became a chore. My “devotions” were more about socializing than about God.

A dramatic move—5,525 miles south to serve in a local church in Chile—didn’t change that. A year later, I still felt the same guilt.

The Holy Spirit kept pressing: Sit. Be still. Listen. Stop striving. Just be in the Word. It sounded simple yet felt impossible. I wanted measurable results. But that’s exactly why my Savior came: because no one can prove themselves worthy. He already lived the perfect life in service to God and neighbor. He went to the cross to prove his love. I didn’t need to do more; I needed to rest in what he had already done.

So, the prayer came: “Lord, make me a woman of the Word. I don’t know how. I don’t even want to, but I need you. Grant me your Spirit. Teach me to put your Word first.”

In John 8, Jesus was confronted by self-identified godly people who questioned his authority. They didn’t want to believe that his words were true and needed in their lives. Jesus’ response came sharp and cutting: “You have no idea. You don’t know me or my Father.”

Ouch. I feel that truth sting through the pages of my Bible. Pride blinds me, too.

But Jesus also spoke the clear gospel to this group of doubters: “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

His words pierce our pride and striving. God’s Word is not just information; his gospel is actual power. It breathes life into dead hearts, grows faith in all kinds of soil, and bears fruit in the reader’s character. I didn’t need a 70-hour workweek or a move across continents to become a woman of the Word. I simply needed to humbly sit, open my Bible, and pray, “Lord, fill my cup with your living water.”

Over time, he did. Slowly, faithfully, God granted me self-control and even joy in his Word daily. And there, in the light of his presence, I finally began to see that being a woman of the Word has nothing to do with proving myself—and everything to do with Jesus, the Light of life.

Prayer: Lord, Light of the world, thank you for calling me out of my pride and striving and into the warmth of your Word. Teach me to love sitting at your feet and listening to your voice. Keep me walking in your light until the day I see you face to face. Amen.

Written by Elise Gross

After six days Jesus took with him Peter, James and John the brother of James, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. There he was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as the light.
Matthew 17:1-2

A Glimpse of Things to Come

It’s difficult for me to fathom what it must have been like to be one of the three disciples who were privileged to see Jesus transformed, to get a glimpse of their best friend’s true and full identity—the Son of God—before their very eyes! How could they ever doubt again?

We have been looking at how God is the very light of the world, both physically and spiritually. He has always existed, and he always will exist. This is difficult for us to fathom because in this life, we are bound by time. We live our lives in the present, with the past behind us. There’s no going back, even as much as we might wish to change a situation or see a loved one just once more.

But we are comforted by the fact that our loved ones who died in faith are alive in heaven—and that helps us understand how Peter, James, and John were able to be in the presence of Moses and Elijah, who had already passed away. These three disciples had a foretaste of the worship we all will experience in heaven one day: the past and the present all at once, the complete glory and splendor of the Triune God in full majesty. We will gather around the throne on that holy mountain and be caught up in a euphoria of praise and worship that we are unable to fully experience on this earth. On the pages of Scripture, we catch a glimpse. And, just as Peter wanted to pitch a tent and remain there forever, someday you and I will be able to remain there in the mansion God has prepared for us, where we will worship him in perfect light and unity.

Have you ever been surrounded by people you deeply love, feeling as if your heart was overflowing with joy and you never wanted the moment to end? That’s a glimpse of what the disciples experienced—and it points to the unending joy we will know for all eternity when we are in the presence of God’s perfect light. The disciples had a glimpse of that unending joy when Jesus revealed himself as true God. We also look forward to seeing our Savior’s full glory in heaven with all the saints from every time and place.

Let that vision be an encouragement to you on dark days when the light is difficult to see. Sit down, open the timeless pages of Scripture, and let the Holy Spirit remind you that he is here with you, walking with you. Take the outstretched hand of the believers around you who are walking this path toward home with you. Take comfort in knowing that in this very moment, Jesus is transfigured and shining, and we can catch a glimpse of him every time we open our Bibles. How can we ever doubt again?

Prayer: Heavenly Father, our source of all light, I can’t wait until the moment when I get to see you face to face in your full glory! But that time has not come yet. Just like the disciples, I have to walk down from the mountain and continue to live in a world where my view of you is clouded. Give me patience and peace until it is my turn. And keep turning my heart toward you as I spend time with you in your Word and catch glimpses of your glory and splendor. Amen.

Written by Rhoda Wolle

For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all nations: a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of your people Israel.
Luke 2:30-32

Sharing is Caring

Have you ever noticed how hard it can be to share? We try to teach sharing to toddlers, but putting it into practice as adults can be equally challenging. Don’t know what I’m talking about? Consider how you feel when someone asks for a copy of the recipe everyone raves about. What about when you find someone in “your” parking spot? How do you feel when someone else gets credit for your idea? It’s hard to share because it can feel like we’re giving away something precious or that we consider uniquely ours. There’s always a part of us (our sinful nature) that wants to hold tight and keep joy for ourselves.

Simeon shows us something different. When Mary and Joseph brought the infant Jesus to the temple, Simeon took the child in his arms. (A quick aside: Mary actually showed sharing first. Any new mom knows what I’m talking about! But back to Simeon.) Can you imagine what this would have been like for him? In a special revelation from the Holy Spirit, Simeon knew he wouldn’t die until he had seen the Messiah (Luke 2:26). And now, here was Jesus. The fulfillment of God’s promise to the children of Israel was cradled in Simeon’s arms. What a personal gift and public celebration for his people!

And yet, Simeon’s words revealed he understood God had a much bigger plan. Even while Simeon rejoiced in the personal gift of seeing Jesus, he immediately celebrated the fact that this gift was never just for him. From the beginning, God had announced that his salvation from sin would be for all people.

Simeon’s words also reflect his understanding of how God’s salvation would be given to all people. For Israel, Jesus is the glory of God’s people—not because they were better than anyone else, but because through them, God’s promise was fulfilled. For the Gentiles, Jesus is the light that reveals salvation to those who had been in the dark, not knowing God’s promises, not even realizing salvation was for them too. Through Christ, what was hidden is uncovered; what was unseen is brought into view.

Simeon’s joy was generous, wide open, and reflective of God’s own heart. He held salvation in his arms and knew: This is what I’ve waited for, but it isn’t just for me. This is for the whole world.

As women preparing for Advent and Christmas, Simeon teaches us something vital. We treasure the deeply personal joy of Christ—our Savior from sin, our peace with God, our light in the darkness. But like Simeon, we are invited to lift our eyes outward and remember that this joy is not ours alone. Christmas is not only a family celebration or a cozy tradition; it’s the good news of salvation for all nations.

Like Simeon, we celebrate that fact by sharing Jesus with those who don’t know him. Through invitations to join in our Christmas celebration, by saving a seat next to us at church, through words of encouragement or acts of kindness, we reflect the light of Christ. When we open our arms, our homes, and our lives to others, we echo Simeon’s song: This is for me—and it is also for you.

So as you prepare for Christmas, let your heart rest in the personal joy of Jesus, your Savior. And at the same time, rejoice in God’s great generosity. He sent this light not for some, but for all. Like Simeon, we can see salvation with our own eyes, and with the same joy, we can share it with the world.

Prayer: Dear Jesus, as we prepare our hearts this Advent, help us to treasure the personal joy of your salvation while also remembering it is a gift meant for all. Give us courage to share your light with others through our words, our homes, and our lives. May our hearts echo Simeon’s song, rejoicing in your presence and reflecting your glory to the world. Amen.

Written by Dawn Schulz

In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world. He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him.
John 1:4-5, 9-10

Finding Him in the Word

I sit with a sense of reverence and smallness. Can I add anything to such beautiful, poetic words? How can I even speak about them? I need to slow down and listen. I invite you to sit with me, like Mary at Jesus’ feet, with eyes and ears wide open.

John’s words are existential—words of light and darkness, life and death.

“In him was life.” In him—that’s a person. He is the Word, the one who was God and was with God. This is Jesus Christ, the Son of God, true God from eternity. He is the Word who creates and gives life. Jesus Christ is life and light. He, the true Light—the Creator himself—came into the world he had made. It’s nothing less than spectacular.

John’s words also speak of tragedy: “Though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him.” Why not? Did he look different than they expected? Did he hide himself? Did he not shine brightly enough?

In a sense, Jesus did hide—in weakness. A baby in a manger. A wounded man on a cross. This was the Messiah? John says, “In him was life,” but he died! It looked like darkness had overcome him.

Though prophets had foretold the man of sorrows, people expected something else from their Messiah. They hoped for physical deliverance, political victory, earthly prosperity.

Jesus entered this busy, blind world not just to sympathize with us or leave a shiny example to follow. John the Baptist cried out: “Look, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29). And Jesus said: “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full” (John 10:10).

He came to take away our sins and give us life.

Do we recognize Christ today? Stores and Christmas markets bustle with activity. Though visual reminders are everywhere, many still miss him. Where do we find Christ? Not in this world, though it may look shiny.

We find him in his Word. It is the Word that gives us light so we can see. Jesus says: “Very truly I tell you whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be judged but has crossed over from death to life” (John 5:24).

The Word created life in the beginning. It also created life in our hearts. By faith, we already have eternal life. When Jesus rose from the dead, he overcame the darkness of sin and death. On the Last Day, we too will rise. Then we will literally sit at his feet and listen to his voice.

The earthly life of a Christian doesn’t have to be dreary. We enjoy decorations and candlelight, food and drink. We simply know this life isn’t all there is. So, in the bustle of life we slow down, listen to him speak, and keep inviting those who still don’t know him. Because we know: his Word creates life even today.

Prayer: Jesus, you are the Light that shines in the darkness. In this busy season, help me slow down and recognize you—not in the world’s glitter, but in your Word. Amen.

Written by Rakel Drechsler