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Keep the light of Christmas through the year

December 31, 2024

Isaiah 26:1-9| 2 Corinthians 5:16-6:2 | John 8:12-19

“I am the light of the world.  Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life.” John 8:12-19

Is there any Christian out there who has never heard this line?  I don’t have statistics, but I’m guessing it’s one of the most instantly familiar lines of scripture; often quoted, lauded in song, printed on greeting cards and billboards.  Taken out of context, it reads like a bright beacon of hope.

Within the context of the passage, it seems a bit different. Jesus is testifying to the Pharisees, and he comes across as abundantly self-confident, almost arrogant.  This isn’t the humble Jesus who tells stories to teach lessons, this is Jesus who is ready to do what is necessary to finish his mission.  “I know where I have come from and where I am going” he says. 

We’ve finished the anticipation of Advent, the joyful celebration of Christmas. As the new year approaches, we know where we’ve come from, now where are we going? We walk together in the light of Christ and the community of the St. Luke’s, and that gives confidence to meet any challenges ahead.

Deb Britt