FILO: Advent for the Church Technical ArtistSample

Today, we are looking at a passage from John, chapter 1, verses 1-5.

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through Him all things were made, and without Him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

At first glance, this passage from John sounds familiar, doesn’t it? What does it remind you of? That’s right, the creation story from Genesis 1 - except this time, God is beginning a new creation.

In Genesis 1, God created out of nothing. In an empty world, God spoke light into darkness, and God breathed life into Adam.

This time, in John 1, instead of a world with nothing, we see a new world with Jesus at the center. Jesus is the light of the world. He is the word. He is the life.

There are times in my life when I feel burnt out, depressed, disoriented, or even lost. Maybe you can relate. I love this passage because it reminds me Jesus is with me, Jesus is making all things new, and He has the power to break through any darkness in my life.

This is the hope of advent, a season where we live in the tension of darkness and light. We live in a broken world with broken bodies, hardship, and strife. We also live with the hope that Jesus is with us. He's breaking through the darkness and will make all things new again!

This advent season, where do you need Jesus' light to shine in your life?

For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. (2 Corinthians 4:6 ESV)

Friends, the light of the world—the light who created all things and is holding all things together—is also shining in your heart, with you every moment. As you serve and walk with Christ this advent season, remember in every moment—in the preparation, successes, setbacks, and anticipation—Christ is with you, shining in your heart. Don’t miss Him.

- Alex Sawyer