Advent Devotion – A Light Shines in the Darkness – Day 11

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