Are You Living in the Light of Christ?

December 30, 2022

By Brooke Holt

“The people who have walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shone”. Isaiah 9:2

Throughout Isaiah’s prophetic ministry, the nation of Israel was not living in a faithful relationship with the Lord; instead, it was a time of anguish and spiritual gloom due to their unfaithfulness. Thus, spiritual darkness covered the land and the people. It was into this darkness that Isaiah prophesied that the Lord would shine his light. Those who knew the great oppression of the darkness would be liberated from that bondage.

The Lord foretold of this day, and the Lord fulfilled his word through the birth of the promised Messiah. John writes in his Gospel: “In him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it” (John 1:4-5). Even though mankind continually chose darkness through sin and rebellion against God, the Lord would not leave them in that darkness but would provide the true light, the light of the world. This is an amazing grace lavished upon undeserving people. With the light of Jesus, there was hope for a new way – the way of salvation, redemption, healing, and restoration.

Unfortunately, many Israelites did not choose this new way. Even when God’s holy light stood among them, they choose to remain in the darkness through unbelief and rejection of the Son. Today, though we have just celebrated the birth of Jesus, many still choose not to believe in him, not to embrace the gift of God’s Messiah. Darkness remains.

Are you in the darkness or the light? Today is the day to ask yourself if you are truly living in the light. Have you received the salvation of Jesus, redemption through his blood, healing through his wounds, and restoration through his resurrection?

Like Israel, you have walked in darkness. By God’s grace, he has shone his light into your heart and life. It is grace and joy. May you let that light penetrate your soul and spirit. As the light of Christ shines in you, it will then shine through you.

Reflection:

As we celebrate the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ, can you remember your darkness and remember the joy of having God’s light shine into that darkness? It is so important to remember the miracle of salvation, to praise God for his grace, and to draw others to God’s light. We would love to hear your thoughts in the comments.

Recommended Resource:

Our honest prayer before God is evidence that we understand the ways He loves, cherishes, sees, and hears us. Through prayer, we can acknowledge with Hagar, “You are the living One who sees me” (Genesis 16:14). When we pray, we are affirming the same. Why do we often hide from this privilege? Why do we avoid God, the One who sees us as we are and stands ready to provide and answer us in his holy, timely way? In this 8-week study on the prayers of Job, Ruth, Hannah, and David, grow your prayer life by facing your honest need and bringing your whole self before God. Acknowledging God as the One who guides your path can change your heart. It can take you past fear and into faith, strength, and hope. Learn more about Honest Prayer.

Ignite Bible Study Media