Gentle Advent Devotion Number 2

Welcome to the next stop on our journey. When you’re ready, turn over the second card. Let’s read the Bible verse and spend a moment savouring the Saviour together.

Jesus says:

“I am the light of the world. He who follows me will not walk in the darkness, but will have the light of life.” John 8:12

I remember walking to dinner once. It was a short walk through the countryside. At night. And let’s just say, night vision is not one of my giftings. It was pitch dark and I couldn’t see.

I remember the sweet relief when my companion shone a torch and showed me the way. I was able to enjoy the walk without fearing I’d get lost or faceplant over a tree root. And I arrived safely and had a lovely dinner.

Here’s the thing, if we can’t see, if we’re in the dark we need something or someone to show us the way.

I love how often the Bible uses concrete imagery to reflect (pun intended) profound eternal truths. The Bible theme of light and dark is something we understand.

And in this verse Jesus shares a great truth about himself.

Jesus Is The Light Of The World

If you can’t see, you can’t make yourself see. No amount of willing it or trying harder can make it so. Spiritually without Jesus we are blind, floundering in the dark, hurtling towards death. We need help. We need rescue.

And the tender, loving heart of God means that Jesus stepped into our dark world as THE Light. Rescued by and following him means ultimately we will not walk in darkness. He’s walked in it for us. Redeemed us. Keeping us safe in him from the valley to the mountaintop till he returns and makes everything right and new.

That is a wonderful sure thing and yet there’s more. It means that even now whether we see it or not, he is doing a transforming work in us. Daily. In the mundane and the momentous. Changing us into what we are, growing the beauty of Christlikeness in us. Helping us use our gifts and abilities however he has sovereignly ordained our lives and limits.

The teacher and counsellor David Powlison captured this process beautifully with these words “The darkness is not as dark; the light is getting lighter. Redemption is ongoing until the day we die”.

And Psalm 56:13 says “For you have delivered me from death and my feet from stumbling, that I may walk before God in the light of life.”

The Bible shows that it’s the norm for growth to be slow. And that is absolutely ok. God is faithful and at work in and through his children, giving and reflecting his light.

Let’s Pray

Lord Jesus, thank you that you are the light of the world. Thank you for delivering us from death so that we may walk before you in the light of life. Growing increasingly in Christlikeness as your spirit works in and through us. Please give us eyes to see you at work.

For your glory and our good,
Amen