Christmas in a Season of StruggleSample

Jesus Came To Light Up Your Life

“The darkness in our lives disappears and the new light of life in Christ shines in.” 1 John 2:8 (TLB)

Why does God talk so much about light in the Bible? Because God is light. When he is Savior and Lord of your life, the light of his love gives you hope in the dark days. The Living Bible Paraphrase says, “The darkness in our lives disappears and the new light of life in Christ shines in” (1 John 2:8).

So here’s my question for you: Are you ready to exchange your darkness and the dark days you’re going through for God’s light? This is what Christmas is all about! Jesus came to light up your life.

Jesus didn’t come alive at Christmas. He has always existed, because he’s God. The Living Bible Paraphrase says, “Before anything else existed, there was Christ, with God” (John 1:1). Jesus has been in existence for eternity. He created everything. Eternal life is in him, and this life gives light to all mankind. His life is the light that shines through the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it.

You see, when you try to live your life without God, you live it in the dark. It’s why things don’t make sense to you—because you don’t have the illumination of the Holy Spirit at work in your life. It’s why you’re burdened with negative emotions. It’s why you’re not healed of the brokenness in your life. And it’s why you stop growing.

This Christmas, it’s time to flip the switch and let the light of Christ into your life—not just for your dark days but for all your days.

Do you want to trade darkness for light in your life? Pray this simple prayer:

“Dear God, I’ve had many dark days in my life, and I know now that I need your light in my life. I need your light to heal me, guide me, comfort me, and warm me. I confess that I have sinned against you, and I ask for your forgiveness. I need your light to help me grow. As much as I know how, Jesus Christ, I open my life to the light of your love. I want to accept you as God’s Christmas gift to me. I want to learn to follow you and trust you. And I humbly ask you to accept me into your family by grace—not because I deserve it but because I put my faith in your love and your light. I ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen.”

This devotional © 2024 by Rick Warren. All rights reserved. Used by permission.

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