ADVENT BLOG Named by God - I am the light of the world

“When Jesus spoke again to the people, he 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)

A rather shy eighteen year old climbed the pulpit steps for the very first time to conduct his first full service and preach his first sermon.  That young man was me and the setting was an evening service in the congregation where I grew up as the minister, Mr Robertson, very bravely let me loose on those gathered that night!  This was the passage that I chose because in dark days when faith was just starting to grow it offered so much hope, as it continues to.

Darkness is overpowering at times - in the world, throughout our nation, within our community and in our lives.  It comes in different ways making it difficult for us.  There are times when it is hard to see the way ahead to even catch the slightest glimpse of hope, of emerging out of the difficulties into better times.  There are also the times when the darkness hides the trip hazards - the experiences and the people coming to hinder our ongoing journey.  

There is darkness before us, around us, but also within us - the thoughts that come as fears and anxieties, inhibiting our ability to cope.  We need only take a cursory glance to see people like you and me.  The culture might be different.  The situations on the surface look worlds apart.  Yet, there are the same challenges and the experience of the same darkness.

Jesus came into the world not just to shine a light, but to be that light as he walks with us along the way.  He doesn’t just shine ahead, he also leads us from the darkness into the light again.  Stepping out into the hand of God who has made himself known in Jesus, the Light of the World.

Do you fear the dark, the unknown path ahead?  What is your experience of the darkness within?  What then does it mean to put your hand out and be led by God in Christ from the darkness into the light?

And I said to the man who stood at the gate of the year:
 “Give me a light that I may tread safely into the unknown.”
 And he replied:
 “Go out into the darkness and put your hand into the Hand of God.
That shall be to you better than light and safer than a known way.”
  So I went forth, and finding the Hand of God, trod gladly into the night.
And He led me towards the hills and the breaking of day in the lone East.