Hold Up The Light
Scripture Reference: John 1:4-9 (KJV)
John 1:4-9 4 In him was life; and the life was the light of men. 5 And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not. 6 There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. 7 The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe. 8 He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light. 9 That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that come into the world.
Expand on these points:
1. Christmas lights
2. Their importance in signaling the season
3. What they represent
When I think of Christmas lights I think of a time when we are using our very best to show the world that we are participating in the current seasons festivities.
Some people use extravagant lights that require much power from a greater outside source. While others may use something as simple as a candle to celebrate intimately while at the same time demonstrating their participation in the season.
The reason for the lights initially was to imitate the bright star that led the wise men to Jesus. Somehow I think that we have forgotten what the lights are really for and we are just attaching as many lights as we can to our house in an effort to outshine everyone in the neighborhood. We are trying to be color coordinated and design motivated and we are forgetting the true reason for the lights in the first place.
We need to remember that the reason for the lights are to celebrate the birth of Christ. I realize that many historians, scientist and the such have allegedly found that Christ was not actually born during this time however this is the time that has been designated to celebrate his birth.
When there is no source of power to maintain the light, it suddenly goes out. In order for light to exist, there must be some form of power. When the power for the light goes out then the light immediately goes out. So whenever we see light we should always understand that there is definitely a force behind that light
Many people search for bigger brighter lights when a small light will do. Just as we search for the perfectly color coordinated string of lights for our decorations people think that the light that Christ has shining from within them is not enough. They think that they need more than that. They think that perhaps the people that need to see the light can not see it because it is not big enough.
Saints we need to realize that the lights that Christ provide are perfect. We do not need any other light besides this holy light to light our paths adequately.
It is strange in how in the darkest times the smallest lights provide great illumination. Maybe the reason that you think that your light is so small and insignificant is because God is preparing you to deal with an extremely dark situation. Maybe your seemingly small and insignificant light will be just what it will take to bring somebody else out of a horrible situation. Maybe that little four word prayer that you use may be the only prayer going up for miles so just because no one else around you is praying you absolutely must continue to pray and believe that God is who he says that he is and can do what he says that he can do.
We should all take a moment to stop and remember a situation in our lives where light played an important role in helping us get through. Of course this could probably be everyday in a modern nighttime environment A situation in your life where light played an important part for your survival.
Illustration:
I remember being in the Army and having to take a test which calls for me having to go out in the middle of a field by myself in the middle of the night. I remember climbing through the rough hilly mountains at Ft. Irwin, Ca. just wondering when I was going to fall, get snake bit or both. I climbed over that hill and found myself in total and complete darkness. I took out my trusty compass and shot an azimuth in the direction that I was supposed to go and headed out. I was thinking to myself I need to get this the first time so that I won’t have to do this again.
I found myself walking ever so gently so as not to disturb any of the wildlife I had already seen in the area. After I continued to walk with no real way to be sure I was headed in the right direction I noticed a light way out in the distance. The light was remarkably small for such a great distance that was between us but the deep darkness that covered me made the light seem to shine so well.
The moment I saw the light I knew that I was going to be ok because anytime there is light there has to be a source of power somewhere. I picked up the pace and marched directly towards the light. Upon reaching the light I was easily able to navigate the last 200 meters which were necessary to compete my mission.
The moral to this story is that the smallest light in the darkest conditions can give you all you need to get where you are going.
1. (John 1: 4 In him was life; and the life was the light of men. 5 And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not. 6 There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. 7 The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe. 8 He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light. 9 That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world.) Jesus was testified by someone else (an accredited source) as being the light. When an accredited source claims that you are something then you are that. Example: Church Ordination Board says that you are a Bishop; Academy Awards says that you are a actor; The Department of the Army says that you have been promoted, etc.
2. (John 3:19 And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. 20 For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. 21 But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.) Sinners are hiding from the light. When a saint walks into a room where sin is abundant those in darkness will not receive you. For example; gambling hall, fornication, drug use, computer lab, etc. They call you names like “jinxy” or they say you bring bad luck.
3. (John 5:35 35 He was a burning and a shining light: and ye were willing for a season to rejoice in his light.) Jesus is a light for the saints that are willing to use his light. Many only use the light seasonally.
4. (John 8:12-18 12 Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.
13 The Pharisees therefore said unto him, Thou bearest record of thyself; thy record is not true. 14 Jesus answered and said unto them, Though I bear record of myself, yet my record is true: for I know whence I came, and whither I go; but ye cannot tell whence I come, and whither I go. 15 Ye judge after the flesh; I judge no man.
16 And yet if I judge, my judgment is true: for I am not alone, but I and the Father that sent me. 17 It is also written in your law, that the testimony of two men is true.
18 I am one that bear witness of myself, and the Father that sent me beareth witness of me.) Jesus uses God almighty as his character reference. The same way that we would use a credible source to vouch for us when we attempt to gain approval for a car or job or anything else.
5. (John 9:4 I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work. 5 As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.) Jesus advises us to use the light to work with. Reading writing, working in the dark will cause blindness. He advised them that this opportunity would go away when he went away. Solid proof that he is still in the world because if he were not in the world we would be blind.
6. (John 11:9 Jesus answered, Are there not twelve hours in the day? If any man walk in the day, he stumbleth not, because he seeth the light of this world. 10 But if a man walk in the night, he stumbleth, because there is no light in him.) Explain more clearly how seeing the light helps you to see better. He explains that walking in the dark is walking without him and causes you to stumble.
7. (John 12:35 Then Jesus said unto them, Yet a little while is the light with you. Walk while ye have the light, lest darkness come upon you: for he that walketh in darkness knoweth not whither he goeth. 36 While ye have light, believe in the light, that ye may be the children of light. These things spake Jesus, and departed, and did hide himself from them.) The light will not always be with us. We must come to the light while there is still breath in our body and we have a chance. We have to be willing to do more than just walk in the light but we must be willing to believe in the light. We can all be sons and daughters of the light. We have to be willing to allow the light to shine in each of us. We can easily light other candles as long as our light is lit. We are not responsible to draw people to the light all we have to do is hold up the light and all men will be drawn to us. John 12:32
8. (John 12:46 46 I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness.) The light is there for a specific purpose. The light is to help the person that is caught in the dark not to stumble. Exodus 10:22,23
CONCLUSION
Jesus is truly the light of the world. We must believe this if we are to be able to truly worship Christ the way that he should be worshipped. When we realize this his value in our life should immediately increase. Though he has and will continue to bless many of the people in our society that are medically blind. He also wants the people that were blessed with the ability to see light to recognize his gift to us and follow him closer.
Let’s Pray
Thank You. May God continue to bless you and keep you. Amen
Your Friend
Minister Juan D. Lane Sr.
