Very famously Jesus said: “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life” (John 8:12).

I love that verse. I quote in on Christmas Eve when we light the Christ Candle and pass out the light to the congregation while singing carols. The flickering light beats back the encroaching darkness. It’s one of those verses that has an inextinguishable hope.

When Jesus originally said it he was at an ancient religious festival which remembered and celebrated when God led the Hebrews through the wilderness for 40 years. As a part of their festival, they lit lamps which commemorated the pillar of fire which led the people into and through the uncertainty, darkness and danger of night.

It was at that festival and standing by those lamps when Jesus said those famous words. He is the light of the world—our pillar of fire—which will lead us through the uncertainty, darkness and danger we face.

What good news!

What are you uncertain about?
What darkness are you experiencing?
What danger do you face?

Cling to Christ—your light, your pillar of fire. Remind yourself frequently of his words: “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

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Notes:

–“Follow the light.” Sermon. July 31, 2022. Click here.

–Bible quotes are from the NIV.