ODJ: Light of the World

December 24, 2017 

READ: Colossians 1:15-20 

Everything was created through him and for him (v.16).

An amazing phenomenon has recently been discovered: as a sperm meets an egg at human conception, a flash of light is emitted! Researchers have actually captured these mini-fireworks on film.

It’s amazing to consider that Jesus, the One who created light, also establishes life in a flash of light (Genesis 1:3; Luke 1:35). The One who “is a light to reveal God to the nations” and the “light of the world” has also designed life to begin with light (Luke 2:32; John 8:12).

During this Advent season, we often reflect on the light God has brought to the world through His Son. Paul wrote that Jesus is “the visible image of the invisible God” and “through him God created everything” (Colossians 1:15-16). In these words that may have been part of an early church confession of faith or a hymn, the apostle revealed that “[Christ] existed before anything else, and he holds all creation together” (v.17).

This Giver of Light has created all we see—from the flash of light at conception to the countless shining stars in the night sky. And He sustains it by His divine power. So even though the darkness of sin, brokenness and suffering may threaten to overwhelm us, He remains our beacon of hope. He provides the spark of strength we need to remain firm in our faith (1 Corinthians 1:8).

Have some dark clouds settled on you today? The effects of broken relationships or painful losses? Remember that the One who “made peace with everything in heaven and on earth” can illumine your path with His brilliant light (Colossians 1:20). The One who “made the things we can see and the things we can’t see” will sustain you by His love and power (v.16).

He is your Creator, Sustainer and Light.

—Tom Felten

365-day plan: 2 Peter 1:2-21

MORE
Read John 1:3-4 and consider what it says about Jesus (“the Word”)—especially what it reveals about Him as Creator and Light. 
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What light has Jesus brought to the world? How can you view your struggles today through the light He’s provided?