he light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. John 1:5
The Gospels of Matthew and Luke begin with Jesus’ birth. Mark’s story begins with Jesus’ ministry, but the disciple whom Jesus loved, His very closest friend, starts at the beginning of time, when Jesus, One with the Father, brought things into order. John brings the Good News, Jesus is God with us. He has come that we might have LIFE and have it more abundantly.
Man’s eye defines space by shadows. It is the contrast of light and dark that reveals depth, contour and shape. But John’s hallmark description of His Savior is Light and Life, a light that casts away all darkness, a light so radiant, illumination cannot be compromised.
Our visual adaptation of using shades of light and dark for recognition, memorization and navigation permeates our concept of the power of Jesus’ sacrifice. We live as though it’s normal to hide secrets in unlit corners of our heart where no one dares to go, believing that a light will allow everyone to see, or remember, or enhance! John testifies that light dispels the darkness. Jesus did not live, die and rise again to shine a spotlight to stage our shame. Emmanuel came to eliminate it and chase away the darkness and despair! He is the Light of the World, but more specifically, your heart.
Love,
Gretchen