Jesus said, ‘I am the light of the world.’

Now that the clocks have gone back it gets dark even earlier and night seems to last longer. I was walking back to my car after a meeting recently, when suddenly the street light I passed went out, even though the others around it remained on. I stayed another five minutes but the light in question did not even flicker. I thought about that light as I drove home. One street lamp might not seem to make much difference, but if every light went out then the road would be very dark.

We might feel that on our own we don’t make much of an impression. But visiting someone or giving a word of encouragement can really make a difference to them and brighten up a day. The next time I am in that street I will see if the beam of the street light has returned. I hope it has, because however small, it has a part to play in giving light to the whole street. 

At the end of this month comes the beginning of Advent, when we prepare ourselves for Christmas and remember Jesus’ birth. It reminds us that Jesus came into a world of darkness, to bring light and hope and good news. It seems fitting that we have that Advent hope in a time of increased darkness. The light of Jesus still shines in the world today, and the darkness has not overcome it.