Jesus proclaimed, “I am the Light of the world,” Jn 8:12.
When Jesus spoke these words He was in the Jewish temple courts, surrounded by unbelieving Jews. For Jesus, the “world” represents Satan’s reign over unbelieving humans. Christ describes Satan as “the prince of this world”, Jn 12:31. However, Christ’s birth ushered in a power far greater than Satan’s. Light had come into the darkness. Life had come. Salvation had come, “and the darkness has not overcome it,” Jn 1:5. Jesus loves all His unbelieving creation. He came to seek and save them (Luke 19:10). As He preached the Kingdom of God, He also healed and loved, always pouring out compassion and kindness.
This Christmas, as many of us sit with unbelieving friends and family, let’s not Bible-bash them to try and force them into submission – that’s not the way of Christ. We speak truth, yes, but always combined with grace, love, humility and kindness. Light can only shine if it comes from the source – the Holy Spirit within us.
Let your light shine this Christmas, and may the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, be your constant strength.
Merry Christmas xo
About Pastor Julie
I’m passionate about the church – building believers up in their faith, to be all God intended them to be; and I’m passionate about sharing the love and hope of Jesus with people who don’t know Him yet.