It has been said that “darkness is the absence of light.” Throughout Scripture, darkness and light are set apart as opposing forces – with darkness representing the forces of sin and evil, and light representing the love, righteousness, and faithfulness of God, revealed ultimately in Jesus Christ.

I found this devotion to be inspiring when I think of Christmas Eve services. These are not my words, but I wanted to share these thoughts with you. (Taken from David Jeremiah, May 28, 2025, Daily Devotional: Light of the World)

“Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, ‘I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.'” John 8:12

It is fun to see people switch on their phones’ flashlights and then hold up their phones at a concert or sporting event. A more biblical display of the power of light happens at Christmas Eve candlelight services. One candle lights another, then another, then another – until slowly the darkness in the auditorium is pushed back as the light spreads.

In John 1: 1 – 9 -1, we read: “ In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made. 4 In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. 5 And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it. 6 There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. 7 This man came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all through him might believe. 8 He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light. 9 That was the true Light which gives light to every man coming into the world.”

Darkness cannot prevent light from shining. Even the smallest light can enlighten a dark place – like a single candle in the depths of a pitch-black cave. In the beginning, Genesis tells us, “darkness was on the face of the deep” (1:2). That physical darkness was dispelled by the creation of the heavenly lights (Genesis 1:14-18). The apostle John builds on that theme to talk about the dispelling of spiritual darkness when Jesus came into the world. Jesus said He was the Light of the world, then told us we are as well (Matthew 5:14-16).

Your light matters in a dark world – shining alone and in concert with others. The darkness can never overcome the light of Christ in you.

Never doubt in the dark what God told you in the light.

(Taken from David Jeremiah, May 28, 2025, Daily Devotional: Light of the World)

When sin entered the world, darkness entered with it. But darkness would not rule forever, because God promised to send the light. When Jesus was born, the light of God shone in the darkness of this broken world. This Christmas season, may we find encouragement to “walk in the light,” to live every day knowing that Christ shines in our hearts and can shine Jesus’ light wherever we go.