Across most parts of the country, this month marks our return to daylight saving time, our annual adjusting of our clocks one hour forward. Originally invented to conserve energy use, it is the traditional exchange of giving up an hour of sleep to gain an extra hour of daylight in the evening. Those long summer nights, that boost of energy after a long workday, and the ability to appreciate the beauty of God’s creation a little while more all have daylight saving time to thank.
Naturally, the gift of more daylight brings to mind the gift of “The Light of the World.” The son of man, who is synonymous with the sun, was the ultimate deathblow to darkness:
“Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life” (John 8:12, ESV).
When God created the heavens and the earth, He called for light first, and He called it good. So, what is the significance of light in the Bible, and what can we draw from it? Scripture refers to light in its literal form, but more often, it is used as a beautiful, spiritual metaphor pointing to true wisdom, enlightenment, and goodness.
As we celebrate this extra hour of daylight, may it serve as a bright reminder of God’s luminary and lasting goodness through these four powerful examples of light that run throughout the Bible.
1. Jesus Is the Light of the World
“I have come into the world as light, so that whoever believes in me may not remain in darkness” (John 12:46, ESV).
Light is accessible for everyone, but it is only enabled from our one true light source: Jesus Christ. Through Jesus, we never have to walk down the path of spiritual darkness again. Our close fellowship with Him unleashes us from the chains of sin, and we’re led to an everlasting pasture of peace. We are no longer bound to a life of aimless destruction because our salvation is assured in Him.
2. As Christians, We’re Called to Radiate Light
“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden” (Matthew 5:14, ESV).
As followers of Christ, we are His greatest representatives. He calls us His “children of light” and “children of the day” (1 Thessalonians 5:5). To attract others to His divine light, they must first see His light reflected in the lives of us, His believers. How can we reflect His light? In the way we love, forgive, and build up one another. By cultivating a selfless heart and showing genuine care for the people around you, you manifest God’s love for mankind.
3. The Word of God Illuminates
“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalms 119:105, ESV).
God’s Word is a lamp that guides us through the dark woods of life. When we uphold His Word, it shines a light on our path. No longer are we easily tripped up, because our spiritual eyes have a firm grip on the ground before us. With God’s truth shining brightly ahead, we can discern whatever it is that springs up in the darkness. Even in our hard seasons, when our personal lamps of faith become more like a flickering light, God’s Word remains our ever-constant source of illumination, a light that never blows out. And, with God by our side, we can make it out on the other side.
4. Light and Dark Were Made Separate From the Start
“This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all” (1 John 1:5, ESV).
In the beginning of creation, God made a clear distinction between day and night. Light was created to dispel darkness and its chaos over the earth. Light is the absolute essence and nature of our holy God, while darkness represents everything that is anti-God. Darkness leads us down a path of distress, confusion, and ultimate sorrow, but His light guides us to salvation!