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

Light and darkness are among the most prominent themes in John’s Gospel.  The prophets of old foretold Jesus’ coming as light of the world.  It was the Father’s will to send His beloved Son into a world cloaked in the darkness of sin and unbelief.  As Mary brought forth her firstborn Son, the true light that was promised to come into the world dawned.  A single, solitary child, born in the dark Judean countryside would bring life and immortality to light for all people.

Though we live in a time of illuminated screens and bright shining devices, ours is still a world that is cloaked in the darkness of sin and unbelief.  Yet, as the Gospel is proclaimed in our congregations and announced in our homes, Jesus, the light of the world shines brightly for all.  The Gospel is for all people because Jesus Christ came to be the light for all the world, for people from every nation.  God’s grace is universal, for all who believe in Jesus.

Our prayer is that Jesus Christ, the light of the world, will continue to brightly shine as the Gospel is preached and taught in churches and schools and as it is shared by individual Christians in their varied vocations at work, home and play.  Into the darkness, God shines the light of Christ as we are sent out to reflect His light and love.  Thanks be to God that people from every tribe, nation, language and people may find hope in our Savior Jesus and the light of His love.

Prayer – Almighty God, You brought life and immortality to light.  May the Light of Your Christ shine brightly in the world so that many more may be brought to saving faith and life with Him and His saints for all eternity; for You live and reign with the Son and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.  Amen. 

Fraternally in Christ,

President Lee Hagan