The Light
Musings from the Garden
By Peggy Wyar
In my musings about Jesus as the light of the world, I discovered some very interesting facts. First of all the word for “light” in the New Testament is the Greek word “phos” which caused me to think about phosphorus. So I did some reading about phosphorus and was intrigued by its properties. It is found in a number of places and bonds with different elements. It has a luminous quality meaning it gives off light. But the most interesting thing about phosphorus is that it is found in the human body and is one of the most important minerals for cellular activity. Our genes, which direct heredity and other functions, are molecules of DNA and they all contain phosphorus. Phosphorus, which means “bringer of light” in Greek, is a mineral also found in teeth and bones.
So, consider with me… if we are made in the image of God (Genesis 1:27) and Scripture tells us that God is light, doesn’t it make sense that we would have light within us? Every cell of our bodies has the imprint of God’s essence.
John 12:46 NIV
“I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness.”
John 1:1-4, 9-14 NIV
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was with God in the beginning. 3 Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. 4 In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.
9 The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world. 10 He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. 11 He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. 12 Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God— 13 children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God. 14 The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.”
Jesus is the True Light. He has revealed Himself so that those who were once in darkness could now see His glory. If we believe Him, we do not need to keep living in any darkness within our thoughts, our souls, or our hearts. His light has shone in our darkness so we can now see Him.
In the next scripture, Jesus tells us that as His disciples we are also light. What we do, how we worship, what we say, every good deed and kind offering of ours can be reason for someone to praise our Creator whose light we have within us.
Mathew 5::14-16 NIV
“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”
The light within us and the light we reflect comes from our God. As we anticipate joining Him once our time on earth is done, we will continue to serve Him and reign with Him forever in the light of His presence. Read what the last book of the Bible tells us about this future hope.
Revelation 22:3-5 NIV
“No longer will there be any curse. The throne of God and of the Lamb will be in the city, and his servants will serve him. They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads. There will be no more night. They will not need the light of a lamp or the light of the sun, for the Lord God will give them light. And they will reign for ever and ever."
As we celebrate Jesus this Christmas season let’s remember that as part of His Body we carry His light in all we do and say. Go, make a difference, shine brightly, and inspire those around you to give glory to God, the only One who lovingly lights the darkness of this world with His abundant mercy and grace.