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I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life. John 8:12

Advent means the coming. The season of Advent signifies our coming out of the darkness into the light. Traditionally, this was celebrated by the lighting of candles, one-by-one, to indicate this coming out of darkness.

The Bible is replete with allusions to God as The Light. 1 John 1:5 says, God is light, in Him there is no darkness at all. And, in John 8:12 Jesus declared, I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.

Light and darkness are the most pervasive of all biblical metaphors. Ironically, the UN declared 2015 as the ‘year of light’ to create awareness of how light-based technologies provide solutions to global challenges. While laudable, the UN’s effort comes nowhere near to solving the real and present danger facing the world—spiritual darkness.

How can we prepare ourselves for the coming of Christmas, and more importantly, the second coming of Christ? Personally, I take comfort in singing the popular Advent hymn, “O come, O come, Emmanuel” to express my heartfelt cry. But it would be selfish to stop there.

The best way to prepare for the coming of Christmas is to fulfill Christ’s call. Having received the light of Christ, we, in turn, are called to be the light. In Matthew 5:14-16, Jesus says:

“You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven."

Christ does not wish for to just bask in His light, while the world is still gripped by darkness. As for me, during this Advent, I plan to share the good news by being that little lamp directing the lost to the Light of Christ. May I gently urge you to join me in this endeavour.

Declare the light of the world by:

• Thanking God that He is the light of the world and the purpose of our existence.
• Asking God to ignite your heart for you to be the conduit to shine in the darkness around you.