Advent Devotional

John 1:6-13

I’ve often had the image of Jesus as the Light of the World explained to me in terms of a flashlight or candle in the dark, lighting just enough to see where you’re going. But William Barclay, in his Daily Study Bible of the Gospel of John, describes the Light as a blaze of light, like standing in the dark near daybreak, and then dawn happens. And all the shadows and scary parts of the night vanish with the Light.

Barclay mentions three shadows that are dissipated with the coming of the Light.

Shadow of Doubt – It’s hard to know what God is like just by living in this World. You might have a clue now and then, but mostly you just don’t know. But the Light shows us what God is like. God is like Jesus.

Shadow of Despair – We often feel stuck and mired in our selfish, sinful ways. The world and the self that we imagine seem unattainable. But Jesus gives us a new power, a new dynamic. His presence makes all impossible things possible.

Shadow of Death – Most of us have walked through the valley of the shadow of death, either by ourselves or with someone we love. But Jesus showed us that “death was only the way to a larger life.” And we no longer have to feel afraid.

PRAYER: Light of All, help us to open our eyes and see what your Light reveals to us about ourselves and our world. Help us to see your Light in every person, trusting that Your heart is big enough to hold us all. Amen.

Lynne Connolly