Dayton Chronicle - Your Hometown News Source

This Christmas season we turned the sanctuary lights off for a few minutes to enjoy the lighting provided by the Christmas lights and candles. There was a gasp of surprise when the ceiling lights were turned back on. In just moments we had grown accustomed to the darkness.

We live in a world that has become accustomed to the darkness of sin. To this dark world God’s light is piercing. Jesus taught that those who believe in Him are the “light of the world” and that we shouldn’t hide that light.

Those around us who sit in the darkness of despair and defeat need to see the confidence, joy, and victory that God’s light provides. We are promised “If we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another and the blood of Jesus, His Son, purifies us from all sin” 1 Jn. 1:7.

Deep, satisfying light is given to those who are transparent and honest with God. In that light we are purified by the blood of Christ. A believer in Christ needs the information of God’s Word but illumination goes beyond mere information.

Illumination is the truth of God’s life and word bathing us within. The Holy Spirit pours life, love, and light into those yielded to Him. This wonderful illumination isn’t intended to be confined to our personal time of prayer. It is intended for our daily life and all we do. It is a continual spilling of His life into our attitude, words, service, and actions. “In Him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind” Jn. 1:4. God Bless You.

Pastor Greg Brownell

United Brethren Church

Dayton