Just As He Said
Bringing Light
āI am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.ā
John 8:12
While the Advent and Christmas season can be filled with joy, laughter, amazing food, and new memories, for many people, this time of year also brings a sense of longing for the past and loneliness as we miss those who are no longer with us. We often miss the hugs and the hands to hold. We wish the person was still there to watch the children open presents, see the Christmas programs, stroll through the Christmas lights and window displays. The days feel dark.
Longing and loneliness are hard. They are deep-running emotions that are often the hardest to express. In these moments, we more fully grasp the meaning of what Isaiah called ābruised reedsā and āsmoldering wicksā in our Scripture reading yesterday. Our deepest longings can be outmatched by doubts that our circumstances will ever improve. Our loneliness can make us feel so isolated and disconnected, and we wonder if God is listening. Dear bruised reeds and smoldering wicks, God is there, and he is listening to you. He knows your every need and takes delight in your every breath. He will bring you out of the darkness.
If you are carrying the burdens of longing and loneliness this Advent season, remember our Scripture verse from yesterdayās devotion. God said to you that he would send his Son as āa light for the Gentiles.ā That means you! In the New Testament, Jesus came as the fulfillment of that prophecy, not as a source of physical light, but as the bright shining beacon of salvation. He said in John 8:12, āI am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.ā The temporary darkness of our earthly longings and loneliness is no match for the eternal life-giving light of Jesus.
If you have a friend or loved one wading through the sludge of heavy emotions this year, how could you be a light of hope for them during this challenging time? Letās explore another verse about light: āLet your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heavenā (Matthew 5:16). As children of God who walk in his salvation promises, our every step should demonstrate our confidence in his almighty power, our trust in his plans for us, and his ability to hold us fast until we are called home to heaven. This kind of light shining in the life of a fellow believer can spur on those who feel trapped in the darkness of challenging times.
So, who needs your light today? How can you reflect the light of the world to those around you as we celebrate his coming tomorrow? Donāt hesitate to reach out and connect. Donāt question why that person came to mind or whether the timing is bad. Shine for Jesus and let him use you to bring lightāhis lightāto those who need it. Jesus came to this world to bring light to sinners trapped in darkness. And he gave you to the world in this moment to bring light to the people he put in your path.
Prayer:
Light of the World, lift my eyes to see your glory and find comfort in your promises. If it is your will, use me to bring your message of eternal hope to the people who walk in darkness around me. Guide my paths with the light of your Word, and give me the strength to share the joys of your birth this season! Amen.
Written by Stacy Jensen
Provided by WELS Women’s Ministry