Each Thursday in the month of December we will feature a devotional focused on celebrating the Christmas season.
Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” (John 8:12)
When I was a boy, my father took our young family to a famous cavern. We descended to its core which was illuminated by electrical lights. The guide asked if we would like to see the natural color of the cave. When we said yes, he turned off all of the lights. Instantly we were plunged into a depth of absolute darkness I had never experienced before. Frightened, I instinctively reached for and clutched my father’s hand. He whispered that everything was all right, and that the lights would go back on soon. To my relief, they indeed came back on, and I was at ease again.
Christmas reminds us that Jesus came to free us from darkness. Whatever our challenge, whatever our struggle, whatever our doubt, whatever our concern, we need not be afraid. He is indeed the light of the world. The good news is that no matter how deep a cavern we find ourselves in, we never have to walk in darkness again. We can reach for the hand our Savior, who reminds us to not be afraid, and then lovingly shines his light into our lives to drive the dark away.
Almighty God, I am ashamed to say that I find myself unnecessarily living in fear and darkness. Please take my hand, flood my soul with the pure light of Jesus, and lead me today on your path of righteousness. Amen
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Rev. Art Pace
CH (COL-ret), USA
