Pastor Larry Sundin
Darkness is such a strange phenomenon. Darkness is basically the absence of light. Sometimes darkness is a good thing. When there are fewer streetlights, the absence of light allows us to get a better glimpse of the stars. Having a dark bedroom allows for a great night’s sleep or for watching a thriller or sci-fi movie. But most of the time darkness is not a good thing. For darkness is often associated with ignorance and deceit, depression and despair, evil and negativity. Today there’s a growing epidemic of anxiety and depression; an increasing rise of hostility and division in our politics; and an escalating rise of immorality, injustice and addictions plaguing our country. Our world is growing darker by the minute.
However, there is another aspect of darkness that weighs heavily on humankind today. It is the darkness of rebellion and sin. Because of our sin, the light of God in our lives has been diminished. We can’t see God’s goodness. Darkness blinds our eyes to the reality of God’s beauty and grace. And it darkens our understanding of God’s wisdom and ways. As a result, we are left staggering about in the darkness of our own opinions, always searching for answers in this life, but never finding our way. But here’s the good news. God knew we needed to be delivered from the darkness. So, God sent Jesus into our world as the light, to set us free from the darkness. For it was Jesus himself who said, “I am the light of the world. Anyone who follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life.” John 8:12
This is why Jesus came as the light. And today, God’s Word declares that “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it” John 1:5. In other words, the light of Jesus Christ cannot be diminished by any power of evil. Even as He lived and walked among us, the darkness tried everything it could to overcome the light. It schemed and plotted; it betrayed, accused and lied. It even tried to eliminate the light by nailing him to a cross. But the darkness failed to snuff out the light of Jesus Christ. For after burying him in a tomb, Jesus rose from the darkness three days later, breaking death’s power. And His light still shines today. So that now, no matter what darkness you may be facing, there is one who can deliver you: Jesus Christ, the light of the world.
He still shines brightly to rescue anyone lost in darkness. And that is why once again we will celebrate His birth on Christmas Eve! For into the darkness of our world, the light of the world was born to give us hope. It’s for this very reason that Rock Springs Church is gathering at 4 p.m. on Christmas Eve, to celebrate how God broke into the darkness with His great light. We hope you will join us, as we celebrate the light in the darkness, who sets us free. And may the light of Jesus fill you with hope as you celebrate your Christmas this season. God bless!