The Cosmic Context

Scripture – John 1:1-5: 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 people. The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood it.

Observation – John takes us back to the very beginning of what we call “time.” It’s similar to the prologue in the first “Lord of the Rings” movie. He sets the very real, human experience of Jesus Christ in its cosmic context. Jesus has always been. He and God are one. He participated in the creation of all we know. In Him our lives have their beginning. In Him light comes into the world. And while the darkness has not understood the light and doesn’t know what to make of it, the darkness does not have the power to extinguish the light. Darkness always gives way to light. In that, we have the foundation of hope. Like the so-called “children’s” song, the essence of our witness is that we let the light of Christ shine in us.

Application – I will let my mind stretch today as I try to envision the grandeur of Christ. Sometimes I get so caught up in His humanity, I forget His divinity. Yet that’s the point of His coming – God did become a human being. I will let His light shine in me, trusting it will bring more light into the world.

Prayer – Lord, who you are and what you’ve done are breathtaking. Thank you for shining your light in my darkness – for helping me see life so much more clearly. Help me today to simply let your light shine in me. As I live in you, be present to the people around me. Bring your light into more of the darkness through me this day.