John, an eyewitness to the Resurrected Christ, loved profound contrasts. Light in conflict with darkness interpreted reality for him. Created light is a picture of true life and glory. Darkness is the absence of both. God is light. Sin is darkness. Simple. Unmistakable. In an era as ours, threatened with gloom and despair, John pointed to the Light of the world, Jesus, as the only One who can dispel all darkness. From that small opening of an empty tomb, Light radiates into universal darkness.

This wise apostle says that God is Light (1:5), meaning that God is self-revealing. Light is always generous. The Light of His inextinguishable love is an offered, living “fellowship.” Amid doubt or desolation, the people of God can live in the brilliant glory of God’s self-giving presence. The God who is Light beckons us to share in abundant love.  

To truly live in the amazing life of His Light means that the spotlight of truth must uncover any dark place in me (1:6). He chooses examples: lying and claiming we haven’t sinned is living in spiritual darkness make intimacy impossible. Walking in darkness puts us outside delightful love. True Light reveals all that besmirches a relationship.  

In bold relief, everything becomes clear. Is it possible that the very pallor, this murkiness hovering over our cities and our hearts, points to the One who is our only Searchlight? We yearn for a dispersing explosion of radiant cleansing. Despite any haze, He invites us to live in the light of His unquenchable love. Let’s walk today in the fellowship of Light.  

Prayer

Lord, let me walk in the purifying light of Your love. Let me be a lamp of Your generous love. Amen.