“Jesus, the Light That Overcomes Darkness”
SERMON Title: Jesus, the Light That Overcomes Darkness
SCRIPTURE: John 1:1-5 ESV
Introduction
As December arrives, we feel the familiar cold of winter settling in. The temperature drops, and snowflakes gently begin to fall, marking the start of the season. However, more than the cold, what makes winter unmistakable is the early nightfall. For example, when I go to pick up Ian from daycare at 5 p.m., it's already pitch dark. Grace and I often remark, "Can you believe how dark it is already?"
This daily observation about the darkness outside reminds me of something deeper—how darkness invades not just our physical world but our spiritual and emotional lives as well. We don't just experience the early darkness of winter; we feel the weight of a deeper, more pervasive darkness in our world today. It's easy to be overwhelmed by the visible signs of this darkness: violence, division, injustice, and deceit. But this darkness isn't just something "out there"—it's something that touches all of us personally, in our relationships, our struggles, and even our own hearts.
Recognizing the Darkness
It's easy to focus on the darkness of the world—the headlines that fill the news each day, the wars, the suffering, the moral decline. But if we are truly to understand the light of Christ, we must first reckon with the darkness in our own lives. The darkness isn't just "out there" in the world; it resides within us as well. This darkness is not always as obvious or as outwardly destructive as societal sin or global conflict, but it’s present in the quiet struggles we face in our hearts.
Let’s take a closer look at the different forms of darkness that affect us. These aren’t just abstract concepts; they are specific, real experiences we all encounter in different seasons of life. Each of us faces one or more of these types of darkness at some point:
Situational Darkness
Situational darkness is the darkness that arises when we face major challenges or crises that seem insurmountable. This is the darkness of suffering, uncertainty, and fear. It could be an illness, a loss, a financial setback, or a difficult relationship. In these moments, you might wonder if the situation will ever improve or if God has forgotten you. As we walk through these dark seasons, it can feel like hope is slipping further and further away. This kind of darkness is particularly heavy because it’s often a result of events that feel beyond our control.
Consider the situation of the Israelites in the Old Testament. When they were enslaved in Egypt, they faced a dark period marked by oppression and suffering. Yet, God broke into that darkness with His deliverance (Exodus 14:21-22). Even in our darkest circumstances, God is able to bring change and hope.
Navigational Darkness
Navigational darkness refers to a sense of confusion and lack of direction. This type of darkness often manifests when you’re facing big decisions but don’t know which path to take. You may feel as though you are in the middle of a fog, unable to see the way ahead. This darkness can bring deep frustration, as the road before you seems uncertain and unclear.
For example, many young adults or even seasoned adults find themselves asking, "What is my purpose in life? What is God's will for me?" This can happen in times of career transitions, relational decisions, or even personal growth struggles. Jesus’ invitation to follow Him—sometimes even without knowing exactly where He’s leading—reminds us that He will guide us through this darkness (John 8:12).
Existential Darkness
The most profound type of darkness is existential darkness, the deep despair that questions the meaning of life itself. It is a darkness that goes beyond situational and navigational struggles and enters the realm of the soul’s questions: "Why am I here? Does my life matter? Where is God in all of this?" This is the darkness that often leads to depression, anxiety, and sometimes even a crisis of faith.
The psalmist in Psalm 42 expresses this kind of darkness when he says, "Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me?" (Psalm 42:5). In moments of existential darkness, the heart feels lost, and the soul longs for an answer that often seems distant. Yet, even in this depth, God promises to be present (Psalm 34:18).
The Light in the Darkness
Though the darkness is overwhelming, there is a source of light that is greater than any darkness we face. Advent is a reminder that Jesus, the Light of the World, entered into our darkness. John 1:4-5 tells us, “In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” This light is the presence of God Himself, made flesh in Jesus Christ, who has come to illuminate the path for us and to dispel the darkness in our hearts.
When we hear these words, we should not merely think of light in a metaphorical sense, as if Jesus' presence offers us mere hope or inspiration. No, this light is the power of God to bring transformation, to bring us out of darkness into His marvelous light (1 Peter 2:9). When Jesus says, “I am the light of the world” (John 8:12), He’s declaring that He is not only a guide but a force of divine light that banishes the darkness completely.
Jesus: The Pre-existent, Co-existent, and Self-existent Word
In John 1:1-3, the apostle begins by revealing who Jesus is at the most fundamental level. He writes,
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through Him, and without Him was not anything made that was made.” (John 1:1-3 ESV)
This passage establishes three crucial truths about Jesus:
The Pre-existence of Jesus – Jesus existed before time began. He was not created, nor did He come into being at some point in history. The "Word" (Logos) that John refers to is the eternal, pre-existent Son of God who has always been with the Father.
The Co-existence of Jesus with God – Jesus, the Word, is fully God and was in perfect relationship with God the Father from all eternity. This unity is foundational to our understanding of the Trinity.
The Self-existence of Jesus – Jesus is the self-sustaining, uncreated God. He is not dependent on anything outside Himself for existence; all things were created through Him (Colossians 1:16-17).
The pre-existence of Christ assures us that the light we receive is not a temporary or fleeting light. It is the eternal light of God, entering into our world to shine forever. This light has existed before time, and it will continue shining after time has ended.
Advent’s Hope in the Darkness
In the midst of our darkness, Advent proclaims that Jesus Christ is the light that can never be overcome by darkness. John 1:5 states,
“The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” (John 1:5 ESV)
Notice how John emphasizes the ongoing nature of Christ’s light. The light is not just something that appeared and was extinguished; it is a continuing, active presence in our lives. Darkness may appear powerful, but it cannot overpower the light of Christ.
This truth is crucial because it means that no matter how dark the world becomes, no matter how overwhelming our personal struggles may feel, the light of Christ is stronger and will prevail. The darkness of sin, suffering, and death cannot stop the light of God from breaking through into our lives.
John's declaration that "the darkness has not overcome it" is not just a theological point but a practical one for our daily lives. We are reminded that no matter what happens—whether in the world around us or within our own hearts—Jesus is the light that illuminates, guides, and gives hope.
Reflection and Response
As we reflect on the darkness in our lives and the light of Christ that shines in the midst of it, let us take a moment to examine our hearts. Perhaps you’re facing a difficult season, or there are areas of your life where you feel overwhelmed by darkness. Whatever it may be, know that Christ’s light is greater than any darkness we face.
Take this time to bring those burdens before Him and allow His light to shine in those places of fear, doubt, or pain. Consider His invitation to confess, to receive His forgiveness, and to open your heart to His transforming grace.
- What areas of darkness in your life or the world around you feel overwhelming right now?
- How is Christ inviting you to confess the darkness within and open yourself to His transformative light?
- Who in your life might need to experience the light of Christ through your words or actions this Advent season?
- In what ways might God be calling you to trust Him, even in the midst of the darkness you’re facing?
As you think about these questions, let us rest in His presence and allow His light to bring hope and renewal.