Here’s today’s:

December 11, 2014

John 1:1-8

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was with God in the beginning. 3 Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. 4 In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

6 There was a man sent from God whose name was John. 7 He came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all might believe. 8 He himself was not the light; he came only as a witness to the light.

Lights are one of my favorite parts of the Christmas season. They illuminate displays, decorate stores, brighten homes. Lights can be colored, shaped, even made to paint a canvas of illuminated beauty. But light is more than decorative; light is necessary. Essential. No light = no life. Without the light (and warmth) of the sun we would quickly die. Without light to guide us in the dark, we are hopelessly, endlessly lost. Light is… life.

John the Baptist was not the source of light, but rather one who pointed and directed attention to the Light. And Jesus is not simply A source of light and direction, He IS Light. He IS Life. Personified and real. As necessary and fundamental as the air we breathe and the sun we see. So this holiday season, let your attention be drawn to the lights- whether that’s an eye-popping display or the simple warmth of a candle. And let your heart turn toward Jesus. Let His light shine into dark places of your heart for healing and wholeness. Allow His light to guide you to see clearly. Draw near to His light and simply gaze in fresh wonder at Jesus, the Light of the world.

What aspects of the light of Jesus are you most in need of these days?

For Families:

Turn off the lights and light a candle or flashlight and talk about how important and beautiful light is, and reflect on Jesus as the Light of the world.