Now we are in the darker months, it is a very welcome thing to reach out and switch on the light so we can see what we are doing.

Not only is the light practical, but it is also welcoming. When the lights are on we know someone’s home. And depending what type of lighting we use and where it is placed we can create a warm and cozy atmosphere that transfers a house into a home.

Lights are also used for display or security purposes, illuminating shop windows and drawing our attention to the goods for purchase. Some outside lights are activated by motion to dissuade intruders.

As the Bible Says:

Being in the month of November is not the only reason why the environment is rather dark, because things were pretty ‘dark’ in the summer months as well! It’s been like this for a long time.

And although we can easily make use of electric lighting to dispel the physical darkness, what can we do about the darkness of the world in which we live?

Among the wonderful things that the Lord Jesus declared about Himself was this statement: “I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.” John 8: 12.

“The light of life”! What an incredible thing to be in possession of! And also those who follow the Lord Jesus no longer walk in darkness like we did before He came into our lives.

Let us take a look at this precious Man to understand something about what it means to be in possession of “the light of life”.

Everywhere He went He brought light into the lives of the people who were living in spiritual darkness. And with His light He brought hope, healing, comfort, joy and purpose that this world could not give.

People were drawn to Him because His words resonated with the deep needs of their souls. He stirred up something in them they did not know they had. It was a hunger and a thirst after righteousness. And now they knew it was there right in front of them, in the flesh. They knew that only He was able to satiate their hungry souls and fill them with goodness. And many among them chose to trust Him with all their heart and follow Him closely to the delight of their souls.

This same Lord Jesus that walked on Earth all those years ago and did all this for the people with whom He moved is still the same today.

Today’s world and the people in it are also the same as they were back in the day when Jesus came to Earth. Human nature is still the same as it has always been, and dwells in darkness that only the Lord Jesus can illuminate. There is no problem, issue or void that He cannot fulfil or satisfy.

But today He lives in heaven in the power of everlasting life. He is at the right hand of Almighty God and represents His believers and followers to Him. And from from the presence of God He reaches out to His people with blessings of grace, love, rest, strength, and so much more.

His light is freely given to those who follow Him, which makes us now "the light" in His absence. This light is not to be hidden away, but just like tangible lights are situated in dark places, so are we! Perhaps we might feel isolated in that dark little corner where we live, but something happens almost without us knowing when we are found regularly in His presence with an open Bible listening as we read His precious Word. And something happens when we are found in prayerful communion with Him. Bit by bit each day that light grows brighter within us because the gracious Spirit of our God is being given the opportunity to reveal the things of Christ to us.

Just like Moses who on two occasions spent forty days and nights up in the mountain with His God: “[He knew] not that the skin of his face shone while he talked with him.” Exodus 34: 29

“The light of life” comes in many forms. It can show up in the form of radiant beauty and Christ like character in the life of His follower. It can show up as strength of faith when living through impossibilities. It can show up as a holy boldness as in the lives of Peter and John: “Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus.” Acts 4: 13.

If ever there was a time to ‘shine’ like this, it is now! This world in which we live is darker than ever, just like the night is just before the dawn.

Whether or not we are feeling alone, be encouraged that:

Do not shy away from the opportunity to display the light of our beloved Lord before a people looking for hope, but let us do as our beloved Lord encouraged us to do while we have the opportunity: