“This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but men loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that his deeds will be exposed. But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what he has done has been done through God.” (John 3:19-21)
God knows what happens in the light and in the dark. Humankind mistakenly thinks it can follow a way of darkness and get away with something. Jesus is saying that the “Light” that has come into the world is Him – the Truth – the knowledge of who He is as the Savior of the world. That light not only brings salvation but a new lifestyle that is not ashamed to be visible. When He is part of our lives by His grace we are a new creation shining forth. We actually become light ourselves, lights of Christ and the darkness is cast away.
Normal people prefer light over darkness. Darkness doesn’t seem to have much of a benefit for life except for sleep. We prefer light. If darkness does overtake us in depression or sin we want it removed. We want, whether we admit it or not, the light of Christ to shine upon us, illuminating our sin, bringing us to repentance and new life. Yes, this is all against our natural tendency to hide our sin but God in His grace comes to us to free us from this darkness. He does this by His saving and delivering grace.
Heavenly Father, shine on us. We may have chosen darkness because of things in our life but You have loved us enough to expose those so that we might repent and stand in the light. We stand in the light with a peace because of You. Continue to forgive our sins and empower us to be lights of Christ in the world. In Jesus’ name. Amen.