Christmas is very much the season of light, isn’t it? We string lights around our trees, to decorate our homes, and to brighten our high streets. Bulbs shine, candles flicker, and our spirits are lifted. We all need light – physically, emotionally, and spiritually. And so it’s no coincidence that when the Bible describes the coming of Jesus, it uses this single, powerful image more than almost any other – light.
- For example, in John’s Gospel just now, we heard these words: “The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world”.
- And the night sky was literally filled with light when a heavenly host announced to the shepherds the birth of Christ.
- And years later, Jesus himself would makes the astonishing declaration that “I am the light of the world.” Not a light, notice, but THE light of the world.
Tonight, as we gather to sing carols and hear the Christmas story retold once again, I want us to reflect briefly on why Jesus came as light – and on the effect that his light can have as it shines on each one of us.
- Light Reveals
Firstly, light reveals what is real – it lets us see things clearly. If you’ve ever tried to assemble a toy, build a Lego model or complete a Christmas jigsaw puzzle in a dimly lit room, you’ll know how frustrating darkness can be — pieces that don’t fit, instructions you can’t read, parts that disappear under the sofa. But turn on a light, and suddenly everything makes sense, everything becomes so much easier!
And Jesus came into the world to reveal reality—to show us what God is really like, and to show who we ourselves really are. Without Him, we are left guessing and groping, searching and speculating about such matters. But in Jesus, we see God crystal clearly—His compassion, His mercy, His holiness and His sacrificial, self-giving love. We also see ourselves more clearly in Christ’s light. When light shines, shadows retreat and dark places become visible.
By his powerful words, his penetrating questions and his perfect lifestyle, Jesus exposed the dark corners in each person he came into contact with – the bad habits, the unhealthy attitudes, the self-centred desires of the religious elites and ordinary people of first century Palestine. He did this not to shame them, but to show their need for him.
And to this day, Jesus’ Holy Spirit and his words continue to shine light on human hearts – on our mixed motives and selfish habits – so that we might turn to him to for forgiveness. Christ’s light reveals our sin so that he might redeem us and renew us.
2. Light Guides
A single candle can guide our steps in a pitch-black room. A lighthouse can save ships from disaster. A star once guided wise travellers to a child in Bethlehem. Light guides as well as reveals.
Jesus too came not only to reveal, but to guide — to show the path that leads to life in all its fullness. In a world full of competing voices and constant noise, Christ’s light is a steady, unwavering beacon. His words are an unwavering way marker. Many today are searching—searching for peace, for purpose, for forgiveness, for meaning in life. Jesus’ light guides lost souls to safety. As the psalmist wrote, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” Christ is that lamp, and he can guide us, step by step, through even the darkest days and deepest valleys of life.
3. Light Enlivens
As any gardeners among you will know, in nature light isn’t just helpful — its essential! Without sunlight, nothing grows. Light doesn’t merely illuminate life; it brings life. John’s Gospel says this of Jesus: “In him was life, and that life was the light of all people.” In other words, when Jesus shines on us, something new awakens within us. A new spiritual life germinates – a God-given life that will endure to eternity. This is why Christmas is filled with celebration. We’re not just remembering Jesus’ birth — we’re rejoicing in the new birth, the new life, that he came to offer to each of us. A new life that anyone can receive through faith and trust in him.
4. Light Reflects
Finally, as I finish, the light of Christ is not only meant to be received—it’s also meant to be reflected. If we’re Christians here tonight, we’re called to reflect Christ’s light into our community. Jesus said to his first disciples: “You are the light of the world.” Not instead of Him, but because of Him.
When his light – his Holy Spirit – fills us, Christians become bearers of light ourselves. We become beacons of light by carrying the good news of the Gospel into our world, and by showing God’s love to our communities. So Christmas isn’t just an age-old story we listen to – it’s a light we’re to both receive and reflect.
This world has more than enough darkness. What we all need this Christmas is Jesus – the “Light of the World” who was born in Bethlehem, rose from the grave, and will come again in glory.