Jesus: The Light of the World – Understanding John’s Christmas Story
When we think about Christmas, we often picture nativity scenes, shepherds, and wise men. But John’s Gospel presents a different kind of Christmas story—one that begins not in Bethlehem, but in eternity past. This account reveals Jesus as the light of the world, offering hope to a world shrouded in spiritual darkness.
Why Does Darkness Frighten Us?
Three out of ten American adults fear the dark. One in four sleep with a night light, and one in ten sleep with all bedroom lights on. This fear, called nyctophobia, reveals something profound about human nature—we instinctively understand that darkness represents uncertainty, danger, and the unknown.
But darkness isn’t actually something; it’s the absence of something. Darkness is simply the absence of light. Similarly, the Bible speaks of spiritual darkness as the absence of God’s light—representing sin and everything opposed to God’s plan.
What Makes John’s Christmas Story Different?
The Story Begins Before Creation
John’s Gospel doesn’t start with Mary and Joseph or the manger scene. Instead, it reaches back to eternity past: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God” (John 1:1). This Word—Jesus—existed before creation itself.
John deliberately echoes Genesis 1:1, reminding us that when God first spoke “Let there be light,” Jesus was there. Before the sun, moon, or stars existed, light existed in the person of Jesus Christ.
Jesus as the Eternal Light
From creation’s first light to the pillar of fire that guided Israel through the wilderness, from the star that led the wise men to Revelation’s promise that the Lamb will be heaven’s light—Jesus is the consistent source of illumination throughout Scripture.
What Does It Mean That Jesus Is the Light of the World?
He Existed From Eternity
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God” (John 1:1-2). Jesus knows no before or after. He existed from all eternity and will exist unto eternity. This isn’t just about longevity—it’s about His divine nature and eternal existence.
He Gives Life
“All things came into being through him, and apart from him, not even one thing came into being that has come into being. In him was life, and the life was the light of mankind” (John 1:3-4). Jesus isn’t just the agent of creation; He is the source of all life. Everything that exists came through Him, and He continues to be the life-giving light to His creation.
He Dispels Darkness
“The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not grasp it” (John 1:5). When eternal light stepped into temporal darkness, the outcome was never in doubt. Darkness cannot overcome, defeat, or even comprehend the light of Christ. Sin and evil may seem powerful, but they cannot extinguish God’s light.
How Should We Respond to Jesus as Light?
We Become Witnesses
John the Baptist came “as a witness to testify about the light so that all might believe through him” (John 1:7). Like John, our highest purpose is pointing people to Jesus. We’re called to be voices declaring that light has come into the world.
Jesus said, “Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven” (Matthew 5:16). Our job is to illuminate the darkness around us by reflecting Christ’s light.
We Recognize Him as the True Light
“This was the true light that coming into the world enlightens every person” (John 1:9). In a world full of false lights and counterfeit hopes, Jesus stands as the one true light. He distinguishes Himself from all other sources of supposed enlightenment or salvation.
What Does It Mean to Receive the Light?
The Tragedy of Rejection
“He was in the world, and the world came into being through him, and yet the world did not know him. He came to his own, and his own people did not accept him” (John 1:10-11). The Creator came to His creation, but His creation didn’t recognize Him. This represents one of history’s greatest tragedies—light came into darkness, but many preferred the darkness.
The Joy of Reception
“But as many as received him, to them he gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe on his name” (John 1:12). Here’s the hope: Jesus didn’t come for a select few. He came for “as many as” would receive Him.
Receiving Jesus means believing in His name—trusting in who He is and what He’s done. This isn’t about earning the right to be God’s children; it’s about receiving a gift that Jesus freely gives.
How Did the Light Come to Us?
The Word Became Flesh
“And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we saw his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth” (John 1:14). The divine became human. The eternal entered time. The Word took on flesh and “tabernacled” among us—setting up His tent in enemy territory.
Jesus didn’t merely send light; He became light and lived among us. This is the incarnation—God becoming man while remaining fully God.
Full of Grace and Truth
Jesus embodies both grace and truth perfectly. Grace without truth becomes permissiveness. Truth without grace becomes legalism. Grace without truth leaves us in our sin, while truth without grace crushes us with our sin. Jesus offers both—unmerited favor combined with absolute truth.
Why Does This Matter for Us Today?
He Declares the Father
“No one has seen God at any time; God the only Son, who is in the arms of the Father, has explained him” (John 1:18). Jesus doesn’t just represent God; He explains God. The only way we truly understand who God is comes through understanding who Jesus is.
He Offers Access to God
Through Jesus, we have access to the Father. We can know God personally, not as distant observers but as His children. This relationship comes through faith in Christ alone.
Life Application
The light of Christ calls us to examine our own lives and consider how we’re responding to His illumination. Are you living in spiritual darkness, or have you received Jesus as the light of your life?
This week, challenge yourself to be a witness to Christ’s light in your daily interactions. Look for opportunities to point others toward Jesus, whether through your words, actions, or simply the way you live.
Consider these questions as you reflect on this truth:
- Have you personally received Jesus Christ as your Savior, believing in His name and trusting Him for salvation?
- In what areas of your life do you still need Christ’s light to dispel darkness?
- How can you better reflect Christ’s light to others around you who may be living in spiritual darkness?
- What false lights in your life might be competing with Jesus as your true source of hope and direction?
Remember, Jesus came as light into a dark world, and that light cannot be overcome. The question isn’t whether Jesus is the light—the question is whether you’ve received Him as the light of your life.
