“The Christmas message . . . doesn’t say from the world a light has sprung, but upon the world a light has dawned. It has come from the outside. There is a light outside of this world, and Jesus has brought that light to save us; indeed, he is that Light (John 8:12).”- Timothy Keller
“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 (ESV)
As Timothy Keller moves on in Chapter 1 of Hidden Christmas, he describes Christmas as the most unsentimental, realistic way of looking at life. Because the Bible supports no illusions that we can defeat the forces of darkness ourselves. Things really are in the dark. Yet, Jesus gives us hope.
In addition, Rev. Keller observes, Isaiah used the sun as a symbol when he spoke of God’s light dawning in a dark world. Thus, sunlight brings life, truth and beauty.
1. The sun gives us life. Just as all life finds its source in the sun, we exist only because God upholds us, keeps us together every moment. And this holds true for your physical body as well as your spirit, your soul.
2. The sun gives us the truth. Without headlights to illuminate the way, Timothy points out, you’d most likely crash your car. For light reveals the truth of all things. And 1 John 1:5-6 identifies God as the source of all truth. Since God created your mind and cognitive faculties, your reasoning capacity only works through Him. Only through God’s Word do you truly understand who He is. And that you’re His creation.
3. The sun is beautiful. Light dazzles and gives joy. So, God is the source of all beauty and joy. This holds true even when you seem to enjoy something else. As a result, Rev. Keller observes:
“All joy is really found in God, and anything you do is derivative, because what you are really looking for is him, whether you know it or not.”
Today’s question: How do you proclaim that a light has dawned? Please share.
Tomorrow’s blog: “A God who truly understands you”
