Reflection:
Light is universal. Whilst people today argue about whether absolutes still exist in vocabulary, in words, there is no argument about the absolute of light. Either you have light, sometimes in varying degrees, or you don’t! I find it interesting in the way John writes retrospectively, positioning himself at the beginning of time and foretelling the coming of light, as an expression of the Word. He tells us that the true light that gives light to everyone has come, and that some do not recognise it.
There is a promise for us here, that even in the midst of our darkness, light is present. We just need to recognise Him. Night time in Mozambique is often very dark, particularly in the villages where there is no artificial lighting. Those who live in the village most times can navigate their way around because they are used to the surroundings. But to a visitor like me, there is a danger that you can step in something you don’t want to or stumble over countless obstacles and hazards. I remember one occasion we were visiting someone in a village and had to park the car on the outskirts of the village. It was so dark I could barely see my own hands in front of my face. Of course, we had forgotten the torch, so everyone was concentrating on where we were walking. No one was talking or laughing. Eventually I said, “Will someone please smile at me so I can see your teeth!” They all laughed and smiled. I was able to obtain my bearings because the whiteness of their teeth was so evident in the dark. I found a source of light in people. The same is true today. We can find our source of light in the surrounding gloom through people and through Jesus. We just need to recognise him.
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, you are the Light of the World. Help me to recognise your light in those around me and help me to be a light to those who have lost their way. Amen.