John 3:19-21a “This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that their deeds will be exposed. But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light.”

Many people in the world live in darkness, not because they have chosen the darkness, but because nobody has shown them the light of truth. The light that is our life had to come into the world that he might be known of man. People who do not know Jesus have no choice but to live in the dark. Some prefer the darkness, because they live lives of selfish indulgence and do not want their works exposed. Some are evil, and when they see the light they flee from it. Some, however, when they hear the good news and see the light of truth, they come into it that they might see clearly and truly. Their lives are forever changed as they are able to put errors of the past behind them and see the road ahead. They are able to see their Lord to follow him. Once exposed to the light, one can never again return to the darkness in ignorance. Excuses are forever lost in the light. Innocence is lost within the light of truth. One can no longer live the way they have. In the light we find joy and freedom. That is the true joy of Christmas!

Pray: “Dear Lord, you came into this world to show me a new way…a better way. Just as the light of a star led wise men to you, so the light you bring into this world will draw the wise to you. Lord, today I leave the dark places behind and vow to stay in the light where you are, following and trusting in you, knowing that I will be forever changed because of the light you have shed abroad in my heart. Thank you, my Lord and Savior, in your name I pray to the Father - Amen.”