FILO: Advent for the Church Technical ArtistSample

Today we are looking at a passage from John, chapter 12, verses 35-36.

So Jesus said to them, “The light is among you for a little while longer. Walk while you have the light, lest darkness overtake you. The one who walks in the darkness does not know where he is going. While you have the light, believe in the light, that you may become sons of light.”

Now, I have to admit that when I chose a verse, I gravitated to this one because my expertise in the realm of production is lighting. A lighting guy should talk about a verse that references light, right? I mean, all is right in the world when that happens.

These are just a few sentences from Jesus’ last teaching to the public before he is crucified. Jesus’ words are a caution to the people, an important caution to believe in Jesus as the light. It hit me that he states the caution with meekness and humility, not being forceful or mean. Believing in Jesus and starting that relationship should be filled with surrender. It’s like a parent encouraging a child to complete their chores to earn money: “You should do it now, or the opportunity will pass.”

The Christmas season is just a few weeks during the calendar year, but it's a crucial season for us as creatives and technical artists in the church. God uses our teams to present the Gospel. And while we have a guest’s very short window of attention to creatively show that Jesus is the light, some may be walking through the doors of the church for the first time. We must do all we can to create that holy environment for the Holy Spirit to work.

When I first read this, I automatically thought about the darkness as being those who are not believers and far from Christ. But as I studied it, the meaning of darkness revealed that it could be me. Walking in darkness simply means that a person could walk endlessly, not aware of their surroundings and which way they are going. How easy is it to make mistakes in the darkness? During the busy season of Christmas, I encourage you not to walk in the darkness. Don’t lose your way and lose sight of how God is using you. In the frustrations that are going to come, because they will come, keep Jesus’ very meek caution in the back of your mind. Believe in the Light, all the way to your core. And in that belief, remember why you do what you do. God is using you and your talents during this incredibly hectic season to share the story of God creatively. Just don’t lose your way.

Merry Christmas, everyone!

- Chris Thomas