The light of God’s grace has been shining ever since the birth of Jesus Christ.

As the light filters through my window, even with the blinds pulled shut, I am reminded of the power of light.

It changes everything.

Perhaps similar thoughts rushed upon Simeon as he sensed the Spirit leading him into the temple on that grand day. The revelation had already been given to him that he would see The Lord’s Christ, and he was merely walking in that light. Or, more aptly described, he was waiting for the Consolation of Israel. And then it happened! The earthly parents of that great light, the Child Jesus, brought Him into the temple. I imagine that Simeon rushed over so quickly that it could have startled the new parents. But Simeon was acting in the light of God’s Word, and he now found fulfillment. With great blessing, this devout man of faith held up the Child and declared,

“Lord, now You are letting Your servant depart in peace, According to Your word; For my eyes have seen Your salvation Which You have prepared before the face of all peoples, A light to bring revelation to the Gentiles, And the glory of Your people Israel” (see Luke 2:25-35).

A light to bring revelation to the Gentiles and the glory of Israel.

Yes, Simeon, this changes everything.

From now on, the power of the light will infiltrate every corner of every heart. Even where the blinds have been pulled tightly shut, this light still penetrates and finds a way to influence the darkest of lives.

Ever since that beautiful light brought revelation to my heart and I was translated out of the darkness and into the light, my life has not been the same. It is forever influenced by the light of Jesus Christ. And since He is also the Word, as John teaches us in his Gospel, I can also say that, like Simeon, my life has been forever altered by the light of God’s Word. The revelation of God’s Word brings great light. Through the person of Jesus Christ, who is the expressed living Word of God, and the written Word of God, I never have to walk in darkness. Indeed, my Savior is “the true Light, which gives light to every man coming into the world” (John 1:9).

We are influenced as we walk in that light from the moment of conversion throughout our everyday life. This “true Light” brightens our day and influences our decisions more often than we even realize.

Walking in the “true Light” becomes a part of our everyday expectation, knowing The Lord will guide us through each day regardless of its trials and pitfalls. Many times, a believer will have a good idea that never would have happened had it not been for the influence of this “true Light” upon their mind. Oftentimes in my own life and ministry, the influence of this “true Light” has been manifested as spiritual discernment. This surprise gift, whereby I have just known things that I could not explain why I know them, was not just human intuition. Indeed, He Himself has said, “I will never leave you, nor forsake you” (see Hebrews 13:5).

During this season of the year, our days have fewer daylight hours. Therefore, we have more hours of darkness than what we see through most of the year. This cyclical nature of life reminds me that our adversary, the devil, might leave us for a season, but he will return. And with that in mind, let me encourage you to allow the “true Light,” which is Jesus Christ shine brightly throughout these holy days.

Take advantage of less daylight and more hours indoors by allowing the light of His Word to permeate every corner of your heart.

You will soon understand the Psalmist’s confession: “Your word is a lamp to my feet, and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105).

Lisa and I wish you a hearty Merry Christmas as you contemplate the “true Light” and the only reason truly worthy of celebration. If The Lord wills and we enter into a new year together, we encourage you to do so by the light of His Word.