The Light Shines in the Darkness, and the Darkness Has Not Overcome It
A Reflection on John 1:1-5
The world can feel awfully dark sometimes, can't it? This past week, the news cycle has been a grim reminder of the brokenness that surrounds us. A school shooting motivated by a twisted ideology of hate. A billboard in Seattle calling for violence against CEOs, with a disturbing number of young people seemingly condoning it. It's enough to make you wonder if the darkness is winning.
As Christians, we know that we weren't born into a neutral story. We were born into a conflict, a spiritual battle that has been raging since the fall. As Oscar Cullman once said, it's like we're living in that gap between D-Day and V-E Day, We've seen the decisive victory in Christ's death and resurrection, but the enemy is still fighting, a wounded beast lashing out in fury.
And yet, even in the face of such darkness, the message of Christmas still endures: "The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it."
Kevin DeYoung, in his recent article "The Darkness Does Not Win," eloquently reminds us of this truth. He writes,
"Christians will not be overcome by the darkness—either amid our lifetime struggle with sin or in the life of eternal bliss to come—because we belong to the One who is the Light of the World. Darkness, which is John’s way of talking about the fallen world of sin and Satan, will not prove victorious in its long, persistent fight against the light."
This isn't just a feel-good sentiment. It's a profound theological truth rooted in the very nature of God. As John tells us, "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God... In him was life, and the life was the light of men." (John 1:1-4) Christ, the eternal Word, is the source of all light and life. And because He has overcome the darkness, so shall we.
Think of it this way: even the smallest light can pierce the deepest darkness. A flashlight in the face, a nightlight in a dark room – the light always breaks through. As DeYoung puts it, "No matter how much darkness, light pierces that darkness. And the darker the night, the brighter the light shines."
But the Christmas story isn't just about the cosmic battle between light and darkness. It's also about the personal battles we face in our own lives. The shadows of grief and loss, the pain of broken relationships, the struggles with sin and temptation – these are all real and present darknesses.
Maybe this Christmas season, you're facing your own personal darkness. Perhaps you're grieving the loss of a loved one, or struggling with a difficult relationship. Maybe you're feeling overwhelmed by the state of the world, or discouraged by your own failings.
Whatever darkness you may be facing, remember this: Christ is real. He entered into the darkness of this world, and He overcame it. And He is with you now, in the midst of your own darkness.
"We know that the darkness will not be victorious over the world," DeYoung writes, "because it was not victorious over the One through whom the world was made." If God can bring light into existence out of nothing, surely He can bring light into your life, no matter how dark it may seem.
This is the miracle of Christmas: the Light of the World was born into the darkness, bringing hope and salvation to all who believe. As we celebrate this season, let us hold onto that hope. Let us remember that the darkness does not win, and that Christ has overcome the world.
So hang in there, friends. Cling to the hope that is ours in Christ. He is the light that shines in the darkness, and the darkness will not overcome it.
In this season of Advent, let us:
Repent: Turn away from the darkness of sin and turn towards the light of Christ.
Believe: Trust in the good news of the Gospel, that Christ came to save us from our sins.
Trust: Rest in God's promises, even when the world seems dark and uncertain.
Obey: Follow Christ's example of love and service, even when it's difficult.
Worship and rejoice: Celebrate the gift of God's Son, who came to bring light to the world.
"For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord." (Luke 2:11)
Hang In There;
Pastor Tim
