Read: John 1:1-14
The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. (v. 5)
It’s the largest object in our solar system, a mind-bogglingly enormous sphere of flaming gas—hydrogen and helium mostly—held together by its own gravity, researchers tell us. Its interactions with the earth drive the seasons, ocean currents, weather and climate, and it provides us with two very pleasant phenomena—warmth and light. The sun rises every day of the year, but daybreak is an event few actually witness. I like to watch the sunrise. It’s a good time to clear your mind, to think, to await the morning light, and to remember the good news: “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it” (v. 5).
John’s version of the Christmas story knows nothing of shepherds and angels. The Virgin Mary is not mentioned, nor the wise men. No baby, no swaddling cloths. In John’s Gospel, the Christmas story is that God becomes one of us in the person of his Son, Jesus Christ, the Light of the World. “In him was life,” said John, “and the life was the light of men” (v. 4). And that light can never be extinguished.
Tomorrow morning, let’s you and me get up early, watch the sunrise, and be grateful that the light of the world has come, and that the darkness has not, cannot, and never will overcome it. —Lou Lotz
Today’s Activity: Take time to watch the sunrise.
About the Author
Rev. Lou Lotz is a recently retired Reformed Church pastor. Lou and his wife Mary Jean live in Hudsonville, Michigan.
