Fulfilling Light: The True Light of Christmas
Well, it’s that time of year once again! The beauty of the Christmas holiday, where parents and children hustle to and froe, setting up decorations while purchasing presents for parties and gift exchanges. Gorgeous light displays characterize and colorize the festive atmosphere. Yet, despite all the LIGHTS, LIGHTS EVERYWHERE, something deeper is missing. These decorative lights may stimulate our senses, but they fail to enlighten our hearts and souls. There is, however, a true Light, eternal in nature, which brings eternal life, hope, deliverance, and ultimate fulfillment. That true Light is Jesus the Messiah, our Lord and King!
Jesus made many eternal and rock-solid claims concerning His identity and purpose. Two out of the numerous audaciously righteous claims are found in Matthew 5:17 and John 8:12. In the former text in Matthew’s gospel, the Lord declares, “Do not think that I came to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I did not come to abolish but to FULFILL” Matthew 5:17 (CSB). This statement is pivotal because it shows that Jesus is the culmination of God’s promises, not the rejection of them. The latter text shows Jesus declaring Himself as the Light of the world, causing all who follow Him to not live in darkness. This is a bold claim, one that demands our attention—Jesus is not just a part of our story; He is the Light that leads us out of darkness.
If we further investigate, we will find these realities highlighted in key Messianic prophecies found in the Old Testament. One of these texts is Isaiah 9:1-2 (CSB):
‘But there will be no more gloom for her who was in anguish; in earlier times He treated the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali with contempt, but later on He shall make it glorious, by the way of the sea, on the other side of Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles. The people who walk in darkness will see a great light; those who live in a dark land, The Light will shine on them.’
Interestingly enough, this same prophetic text is quoted in Matthew 4:14-16. In fact, everywhere throughout the gospels, whenever Old Testament Scriptures are cited, the writers show how Jesus fulfilled that specific prophecy.
One may ask, “What does all this mean and what relevance does it have for me?” It’s very simple. It means everything: EVERYTHING Jesus claimed concerning Himself is true. HE IS THE LIGHT BRINGING ETERNAL LIFE TO OUR SOULS, and He is the fulfillment of EVERY promise meticulously laid out in all Scripture! PRAISE GOD AND BLESSED BE THE NAME OF JESUS! We can surrender our lives and beings to Him and His Lordship. We can totally trust in His faithfulness and devotion to us as His beloved people, the children of the Living God.
As we enter the Christmas season, may the LORD remind us that He was zealously faithful to His first advent, paying the ultimate price for our sins. He is equally zealous for His second advent, fully establishing our redemption and His kingdom. Grow closer in your union and devotion to Jesus in your everyday life. This will cause you to be a radiant light for Christ in a dark world desperately searching for life and meaning. The world needs to see the real Jesus, the One who passionately loves them and VIOLENTLY keeps His covenant promises to His people.
So, this Advent, let’s reflect on the true Light that has come. Take a moment to pause, breathe, and let the Light of Christ illuminate your heart anew. Happy Advent and welcome, Lord Jesus! AMEN!