DAY 26 THE TRUE LIGHT (NO. 1) - ILLUMINATOR OF THE WORLD

John 8:12-13

During Jesus’ time, Yom Kippur-the day of atonement- was observed with fasting, renunciation of pleasures, and repentance. Just five days later Sukkot- the festival of booths- was celebrated with great joy. In the Court of the Women of the Jerusalem Temple, the joyous ceremony ‘The Illumination of the Temple’ was celebrated during Sukkot. The ceremony would begin with the lighting of four seventy-five foot high menorahs. Each of the menorahs had four branches that would burn until the next day. In the bright lights, which could be seen from the outskirts of the Jerusalem, the priests danced and sang psalms and hymns and remembered how God was the Israelites’ guiding Pillar of Fire. They also danced and celebrated in anticipation of the Mashiach(Messiah) who would be their new and brighter light.

In John chapter 7 we see that Jesus is at the festival of booths. In John 8:12 Jesus is in the Temple-probably standing near the giant menorahs- and tells the Pharisees “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” Just imagine the impact of His words at that time. Then the Pharisees call him a liar saying “You are bearing witness about yourself; your testimony is not true.”(8:13)

So what is Jesus teaching all of us? He is teaching that the sixteen bright lights might illuminate the temple but he came to the world to illuminate the entire world.  Also, the brightness of the sixteen light was seen only in and around Jerusalem, but Jesus’ bright light is shining all over the world. In addition, while the menorahs' light was for one night a year, Jesus' light shines forever.

Dear brother and sister in Christ; our hearts are darkened by the world and our sins. If Jesus had not come, you and I would still be drowning in the works of darkness, i.e., our so-called good works that give the false hope of salvation. Then Jesus came and he dispelled that darkness by shining his light on us and being our light of life.

So let’s praise Jesus who called us and brought us out of darkness into His wonderful light. And let’s do this by word and deed so others may come to him.

Dear Father, if you did not send Jesus I would still be lost in the darkness of salvation by works. By His light and sacrifice you planned my salvation. In Jesus’ name I thank and pray. Amen.