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Out of darkness
Off the Wall
Dec. 21, 2006
All whom are familiar with scripture know that in
the first chapter of Genesis in the Holy Bible, it speaks clearly
of the creation of the universe. A matter of fact, the name of
this book means "origin." "In the beginningeverything
was engulfed in total darkness. Then God commanded, 'Let there
be light." These words are common knowledge to those who
subscribe to creationism.
"God then named the light, Day, and the darkness,
Night," the passage reads.
Over time, the word light would come to be used
metaphorically in sharing the Word of God.
When Jesus Christ was born into our world, the shepherds
were led to the manger where He lay because of a star they would
follow. It was this light that directed them to the area where
the holy family could be found. After his birth, Christ became
the new light of the word. Christ proclaimed in John 9, verse
5, "I am the light for the world." People would come
to understand the true meaning of the word, for our Lord exemplified
a way of life that was anything other than darkness.
But to truly understand what is meant by this connotation, we
have to examine the two physical phenomena.
For some people, unlit paths can be frightful. Darkness
may spell out uncertainty. And those caught up in it most likely
can't be trusted. Living in constant darkness can only lead to
utter frustration if proper direction is not instilled.
Light on the other hand provides vision, stimulation,
in addition to mental and spiritual illumination. With the dawn
of each day, we are reminded that we are being gifted with a
new span of time. What we do within that space is truly up to
us. Never the less, it should serve as a reminder that God created
it to be used and for our benefit.
Such is the case when He sent Christ into the world.
Known as the true light, He was the Word that became flesh "and
dwelt among us." Light attracts. It is like a magnet
that draws. All one need to do is watch flowers on a sunny day.
They will follow the light as it moves from the east to the west.
When Christ walked among the people, he definitely drew
people to Him. Was it just His personality, or did people see
something more in this prophet?
Light creates life. The words our Lord spoke definitely
must have had some meaning to the crowds that flocked around
Him or they may have shunned Him and gone on their way.
Light reflects. No one reflected God's Word any
better than Christ Himself. In all He said and all the miracles
He performed, the love of His Father flowed forth from every
word He spoke.
When one studies the subject of light, there is
so much to be realized, and yet, some things are taken for granted.
How many times has a room been entered only to find
the need for the light to be turned on? Is there a certain time
of the evening that, when driving, the car lights have to be
illuminated? While taking a walk along a path at night, are flashlights
required?
All those bulbs in each casing burn out and have
to be replaced. Christ is, not was. He suffers no burnout. His
light continues to glow.
Living in darkness, there can be no positive outlook.
A matter of fact, how can there be any path to follow if one
can not see what it is for him to follow? On the other hand,
given the ability of spiritual foresight can only excite rather
than numb the mind of the pursuer. Through this stimulation,
not only are we encouraged, but pacified in our daily walk with
Him.
As the true light, Jesus was sent into our world
to teach God's Word and to share His plan for us concerning salvation.
So, as we look back, may we be ever so mindful that
much has happened since light was made from darkness.
May each of you excite in God's light this Christmas.
Paul j. volkmann
11/02/06
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