As one who has sailed the open ocean on moonless nights and far from land, I can tell you, it brings a whole new perspective on darkness. Under such conditions, the only thing one can see looking across the water is an abyss of gloom. I imagine it can be quite intimidating, even frightening, for someone on the water alone. Even still, what amazes me is how our eyes can detect the presence of light in such a vast void of darkness, even at great distances. The ability to see a pinpoint of light in such murk made lighthouses a useful tool to safely guide shipmasters towards land and navigate treacherous waters.

In this brief journey that we call life, there is another abyss of gloom, spiritual darkness, a form of darkness that envelops this fallen world due to sin. It refers to the condition of people who stand apart from God because of the unrepentant, unforgiven darkness of sin they hold in their hearts. However, because God so loves the world, He sent His only begotten Son, Jesus, as a beacon of light into the darkened world to draw us towards the light that is God and to help us navigate the treacherous pitfalls of life that lead to sin and destruction.

Jesus said, “I am the Light of the world; he who follows Me will not walk in the darkness, but will have the Light of life.” To His followers, He said, “You are the light of the world. Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.”

John 8:12 | Matthew 5:14;16

Therefore, as we set out to navigate through the week ahead, let us keep our focus on Jesus, the Light of the World. Let us meditate on God’s word to avoid the pitfalls of temptation, recognize the needs of others, and love our Lord with all of our heart, soul, mind, and strength and yes, to love our neighbor as ourselves.

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