by Kala Loptien
No Darkness
This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. 1 John 1:5, English Standard Version
Our Lutheran school kiddos often sing in church. One of their favorite songs is I want to Walk as a Child of the Light. I love listening to children’s voices, joined together in joyful song. It’s especially sweet when they get to a familiar section. Suddenly, the whole sanctuary echoes with:
In Him, there is no darkness at allThe night and the day are both alikeThe Lamb is the light of the city of GodShine in my heart, Lord Jesus*
We read about light and darkness throughout scripture. In 1 Thessalonians, we are referred to as children of the light and children of the day. Jesus is very clear in John 8 when He proclaims, “I am the light of the world.” We are promised that we will never walk in darkness when we follow him. The Old testament adds a prophetic exclamation point to this in Isaiah: “The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light.”
The contrast is stark. Light exposes, shines and spreads. It allows for clear vision and highlights the beauty of all God’s creation. On the contrary, darkness covers, confuses, creating unclear paths and heightens fear. When we walk as children of light, we have Jesus, the light of the world, as our guide. He is the way, the truth and the life. In Him there is no darkness at all. Our lives, in turn, should be a reflection of that brilliant, beautiful light.
Lord, thank you for Jesus. Help us shine our light and share the light of the world with others. Amen.
*Thomerson, Kathleen. “I Want to Walk as a Child of the Light.” 1999
Copyright Family of Christ Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado
