In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.
There was a man sent from God whose name was John. He came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all might believe. He himself was not the light; he came only as a witness to the light. The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world. He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him.
He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God. The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.
This is indeed some of the most beautiful and powerful verses in the Bible. Here the writer speaks about the Light of the world that is coming, the Light that will shine over all darkness, which cannot be defeated by darkness. The light that will come to the rescue of this dark world, a world full of trouble, challenges, sickness, hatred and death. This Light has a name and its name is Jesus.
More than 2000 years ago Jesus was born, born to become what He is today, the Light of this world, which is what Christmas is all about, celebrating the birthday of Jesus Christ our Lord and Saviour. Does it mean that because He is the Light of the world that we will not have trouble and will not be challenged?
No, most definitely not, in fact Jesus Himself said that in this world we will have trouble, but then He also made a promise, that He already overcame this world (John 15:33). This means that every challenge we are facing can be overcome! Jesus also made another big promise. He said that He will never leave us or forsake us (Hebrews 13:5). Hallelujah!
With only a few weeks left in this year, I am sure that many of you have a lot of challenges you are facing. Maybe you worried about finances, maybe you are challenged with health issues or you are just lonely and not looking forward to the Christmas season. Some might already worry about what will happen to them in 2019 and others might be negative about the future of our beloved country.
Whatever it is you are facing or worrying about, stop worrying. Jesus is still in control. The Light of the world is with us where ever we go and whatever we do. Remember, He has already overcome this world. Remember, He will never leave nor forsake you! Let us put our past where it belongs, in the past, and let us rejoice for the Saviour that was born.
Let us rejoice over the Light of this world, the Light that brings hope and a prosperous future to all who believe in Him. Let us celebrate Christmas, give praise to God and worship into the new year, knowing that God is still in control.
Thank you, our mighty God, for giving us your only Son so that we can have hope and a future. Happy birthday Jesus! Amen
May you all have blessed and merry Christmas and may God protect you and keep you and your family save during this Christmas season.
THE LIGHT SHINES IN THE DARKNESS, AND THE DARKNESS HAS NOT OVERCOME IT.
Jaco van As
Managing Director
Jesus to my Rescue Ministries & Outreach