Advent Day 4 John 8:12

“Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, ‘I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.’” (John 8:12 ESV)

On this Advent day, we look at the Gospel of John, in his words, “the apostle whom Jesus loved.” John tells us of one of the many confrontations Jesus had with the Pharisees. Jesus had many confrontations with the Pharisees because instead of leading people to God, as they suggested, they were leading them away from God. They were of sin. They were full of pride, greed, and selfishness. They were everything Jesus despised, especially in religious leaders.

Like the “Bread of Life,” Jesus was also the “Light of the World.” This, John told us, in his prologue to this very gospel. In the beginning of the Book of Genesis, God created the heavens and the Earth.  There was darkness, and the Earth was void. God spoke the words “Let there be light.” And there was light. God continued creating for five more days, then on the seventh day God rested. Jesus, “the Light of the World,” manifested the Father’s creation.

In Jesus’s incarnation, His coming in the flesh, 100% God, 100% human. In Creation, Jesus created light; in the incarnation, Jesus is the light. Again, lighting the world with the hope of the resurrection. This was his purpose in coming as a part of creation. “To bear witness to the Truth,” (John 28:37), but, “what is truth?” (v38)

The truth is the very thing we celebrate this and every Advent, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.” (John 3:16-17) This Advent, as we prepare to celebrate the birth of the Word, the Word that became flesh. Whose only mission was to save humanity from its sin. Praise God as we prepare to celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, born in a borrowed crib, buried in a borrowed tomb. The one whose shed blood on the cross, and faith in Him as the risen Son of God, leads many to salvation.

Merciful Father,

It is by your love and mercy that You sent your only son

into creation to save us from our sin. We worship and glorify You

as You are all-powerful, all-knowing, and in every heart of every believer everywhere.

As we prepare to celebrate the birth of Christ, humble us, Father, before your sovereignty

and your grace.

Imputed to us in salvation, You gave us the right to be called children of God,                         

having transferred the righteousness of Jesus to us as He willingly bore our sins on the cross.

His propitiation, His act that satisfied your justice, your unavoidable anger towards human sin, as it offends you who is all-holy.

We give you our humble praise for you are our heavenly Father, our one Living God.

In Jesus’ miraculous name, we pray, Amen.