The Christmas Carols: Past, Present, & Future HopeSample

Day 4

Light of the World

Read: Exodus 13:21-22; John 8:12

3,500 years ago, God called His people out of Egypt, through the Red Sea, and into the land that He had promised them. This is the story of the Exodus, recorded in the second book of the Bible. As the Israelites left Egypt, God led them at night, represented by a visible fire. Like a child comforted by a night light, so the children of Israel were comforted in their journey by the fire in the sky, reminding them that God was with them.

Fast forward 1,500 years to the time of Jesus. While the rest of the Israelites were celebrating the Festival of the Tabernacle (remembering when God led them like a fire at night), Jesus makes an amazing assertion. He says in John 8:12, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows Me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” Jesus was making a few VERY important points:

• Jesus is the Light. During the Exodus, the people saw a fire cloud in the sky, but this presence did not talk or provide a 3-D example of what God is like. Jesus is our reminder that God is with us, a living Light!
• Jesus is the Light of the World! Additionally, the fire was only for the people of Israel. However, by calling Himself the light of the world, Jesus was pointing out that ALL people, regardless of nationality can be encouraged by His presence.
• Jesus invites us to follow Him. Jesus’ light is not just meant to comfort, it is meant to direct.
• If we follow Him, we will not walk in darkness. Jesus will never lead us to sin. He only leads us towards righteousness, for He desires our growth, not our destruction.
• If we follow Him, we will have life. Darkness leads to death. Yet, Jesus is the Light of life . . . He came to give us life, not take it from us!

At Christmas time, we often place lights on our landscaping and homes. This is appropriate because, as Lauren Daigle’s song reminds us, Jesus is the Light of the world! As we sing this song, or look at Christmas lights, let us remember God’s presence with us, and His desire that we walk in obedience following Jesus’ commands and example. If we do, we will have life as God intended!

Light of the World

The world waits for a miracle.
The heart longs for a little bit of hope
Oh come, oh come, Emmanuel.
A child prays for peace on Earth,
And she's calling out from a sea of hurt.
Oh come, oh come, Emmanuel.

And can you hear the angels singing?

Glory to the light of the world
Glory, the light of the world is here.

The drought breaks with the tears of a mother.
A baby's cry is the sound of love.
Come down, come down, Emmanuel!
He is the song for the suffering.
He is Messiah, the Prince of Peace has come,
He has come, Emmanuel.

Glory to the light of the world

For all who wait
For all who hunger
For all who've prayed
For all who wonder
Behold your King.
Behold Messiah
Emmanuel, Emmanuel.

Glory to the light of the world
Glory to the light of the world
Glory to the light of the world
Behold your King.
Behold Messiah
Emmanuel, Emmanuel.

The world waits for the miracle.
The heart longs for a little bit of hope.
Oh come, oh come Emmanuel!