¹²Jesus spoke to the people once more and said, “I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.”

John 8:12

Last week, I shared scripture that declared darkness can never extinguish the light. Since then, the concept of light keeps coming to me. Perhaps it was the news of a cancer diagnosis or small business closures or financial difficulty. As if a pandemic, political unrest and social injustice aren’t dark enough.

I found myself longing for light that illuminates the way; light that doesn’t flicker and fade; light that isn’t dependent on batteries or solar power or fuel. Light that dispels the darkness.

Then I brought Jesus into the picture and remembered his words to the people so long ago. He said he is the light we can depend on to illuminate the way. He is the true light that gives light to everyone (John 1:9).

¹⁶So don’t be misled, my dear brothers and sisters. ¹⁷Whatever is good and perfect is a gift coming down to us from God our Father, who created all the lights in the heavens. He never changes or casts a shifting shadow.

James 1:16-17

Shadows are interesting. A shadow isn’t an exact representation of the real object. Shadows can be larger, smaller, thinner or thicker than the actual object or person. It moves in odd ways, it can misrepresent reality, it is just a shadow. But Jesus is not a shadow — he is the real deal and he doesn’t cast a shadow. A friend posted this picture on social media. It’s a great illustration of the light of Jesus.

I take comfort in the presence of Jesus and the light he brings into my life. Darkness cannot extinguish it and in him there is no shifting shadow and no darkness at all.

Regardless of how dark your way seems, Jesus wants to illuminate your way. If he is already a part of your life, the light is already present. Let it shine and show you the way. If you are living in darkness, without his presence, invite the Light to shine on your circumstances today.