“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life, and the life was the light of men. 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 bear witness about the light, that all might believe through him. He was not the light, but came to bear witness about the light. The true light, which gives light to everyone, was coming into the world. He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world did not know him. He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him. But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.
And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. (John bore witness about him, and cried out, “This was he of whom I said, ‘He who comes after me ranks before me, because he was before me.’”) For from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace. For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. No one has ever seen God; the only God, who is at the Father's side, he has made him known.”
JOHN 1:1-18
He was there in the beginning - the Word creating and sustaining the universe.
The Light of the World stepped into what He created and sustains to bring light to darkened hearts. But our eyes had long adjusted to living in darkness that we could not recognize the veiled glory of God walking among us. Not just that but we ‘…loved the darkness rather than the light…’ because our works are evil (John 3:19).
In the dark, hiding is easy. We find the shadowy corners where secrets and lies live and grow undisturbed from others and even from ourselves. But have we not read the stories? God goes looking in the darkness. He calls to us, inviting us to come out of our hiding, and show ourselves - in all of our shadowed sin - to the One who steps into the darkness with Light.
So much of our world is not as it should be. And perhaps you feel that sting in this Advent season - that this is not how things are to be. If the upheaval of COVID-19 and all of its ongoing consequences is shining a spotlight on corners of your heart long-neglected, do not harden your heart, do not love darkness. Invite the God who pursues you to illuminate those places with the tender presence.
He dwelt among us, and He indwells the life of every believer.
There is nothing to fear with Him.
What shadows of sin are being revealed to you this season?
Where is God calling you to Himself?
To download the full devotional, click here.