warm-up

Share an unforgettable Christmas memory.

What is one bad habit you grew out of? How did you get rid of that habit?

What was the greatest challenge you encountered this year? Share one lesson you learned from it.

word

The true light, which gives light to everyone, was coming into the world. John 1:9

One of the most exciting things about Christmas is seeing the lights and decor everywhere. But during the first Christmas, a light—the true light—came to give light to all. This light is Jesus. He came to the earth not to dispel physical darkness, but the spiritual darkness in humanity. Today, let’s look at how the coming of the true light affects our lives.

1
The true light dispels the darkness.

⁴In him was life, and the life was the light of men. ⁵The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. . . . ⁹The true light, which gives light to everyone, was coming into the world. John 1:4,5,9

Jesus is the true light and the source of light. Throughout the Gospel of John, Jesus declared that He is the light and in Him there is no darkness at all. In their time, light was seen as life. People would work and toil during sunup, and then rest during sundown. There was no life without light. When Jesus declared Himself as the light, He was saying He is the source of life. He is the light that will dispel the darkness in our souls. We will no longer walk in spiritual darkness because in Him, we have the light of life (John 8:12). Darkness can never overcome the light of Jesus. How will knowing this change the way you live?

2
The true light shines through us.

⁶There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. ⁷He came as a witness, to bear witness about the light, that all might believe through him. ⁸He was not the light, but came to bear witness about the light. John 1:6–8

Just like the apostle John, we are to be witnesses about Jesus, the light, so that others may believe in Him. Jesus called those who believed in Him the light of the world. He commissioned us to let our light shine before others, so that they may see our good works and give glory to our Father who is in heaven (Matthew 5:16). We are not the only ones who can benefit from the light of Jesus. He desires all men to know Him and be saved. How have you shared the light of Jesus to others?

application

Are you still walking in darkness? Knowing that Jesus is the true light, ask someone to pray with you to receive Him into your life.

Read and meditate on Matthew 5:14–16. What are some ways you can let your light shine before others this week?

List three friends who need to know and experience Jesus, the true light, as their Lord and Savior. Commit to preach the gospel to them this week.

prayer

Thank God for the coming of the true light that broke through our spiritual darkness. Pray to live in confidence, knowing that you have the light of life.

Pray for opportunities to share about Jesus to your family and friends. Ask God to prepare their hearts to receive the gospel.

Pray that God will use you to share His love through your good works to those in need. Pray for boldness and courage to be a witness of the light to them as well.

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Scripture quotations are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version® (ESV®)
Copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

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