Jesus said, I am the Light of the world. He who follows me, will not walk in darkness, but will have the Light of Life.

Prayer: Dear Lord, we pray that you would enlighten our hearts and minds today. Amen.

It is fascinating to go into a dark room at night, then turn on the light, and to watch “the darkness flee.” Where did it go? Does it hide behind the furniture or under the bed, or where? We don’t know, but we do know how powerful that light is! And even more so, when the dawn comes, lighting up the whole earth and sky, forcing the darkness away. And “the” MOST Powerful Light is JESUS, the Light of this world, taking away the darkness of our lives. Light is “God’s Eldest Daughter” being created on Day One, which underlines its importance.

Jesus is our Light. Without him we can’t possibly see. He is the Very Light of God the Father to us, to show us how to live, and not to stumble through life.

He alone is our Map and Guide finally taking us to his Heavenly Light and Glory. We have this “entrée” now. Are we ready for his coming and looking forward to our Heavenly Life?

Jesus, the Only True Light of this world, is still ruling and reigning through COVID-19 time. What valuable things have we learnt from this time, and need to remember?

Jesus uses his Word to be our Light too:

Psalm 119:105 (RSV – paraphrase) says, Your Word is a Lamp to our feet, and a Light to our path.

As you look back over your long lives (for the Seniors), which words of God guided you at certain times?

Which word of God has comforted you through COVID-19?

Which words of God have you given to help others at this COVID-19 time? 2 Corinthians 1:3,4

(WORD ALONE)

Jesus changes our lives, from stumbling around in the darkness, to living in his light and joy. We are surrounded by people “stumbling around in this world.” What things are causing people to “stumble”?

Jesus alone, with his light, can see into the very depths of our lives, even to things hidden away. The Good News is that he can help and heal us, because he loves us and has the deepest knowledge of us.

Jesus is the Living Light, Life, Bread and Water that truly SATISFIES us, like nothing else can. Name some of these life-giving qualities: e.g. forgiveness, heaven.

(CHRIST ALONE)

John 9:4 (RSV) says, We must work the works of him who sent me, while it is day; night comes, when no one can work.

We are all only given so much time to:

1. a. Shine (be) for Jesus,
2. b. And to do his good works,

so let’s “fill our time to the fullest” and don’t keep putting things off.

Read Ephesians 4:13-15

St Paul encourages us to grow into Christ. This means “walking with him”, day by day, getting to know him more and more, thus changing us, until we come into full and mature manhood and womanhood. How do we do this?

Jesus is the Light of this world that he has created. Name some of the grandeur and beauty of it, in both the small and large things.

Read 2 Peter 3:9 In his world, Jesus longs for all people to be saved.

Then let us pray on for some of the mission-works in the world. Name some of them.

We are commanded by Jesus to persevere in prayer, and not to give up. Someone has called us faithful pray-ers “Percy” because we persevere and encourage each other, when we get slack or tired.

We are thankful for all the “faithful – prayer – groups – lights” lighting up our countries of Australia and New Zealand.

We must keep on:

1. praying for our Prime Minister, Premiers, Parliaments, and health-workers;
2. praying for our people to repent, and come back to God again, through Jesus;
3. pray that, in his Light, we will see our way forward to recover, rebuild and re-set our family, church and nation’s life.

Amy Carmichael inspires us also with one of her hymns:

Give me the Love that leads the way,
The Faith that nothing can dismay.
The Hope no disappointments tire,
The Passion that’ll burn like fire.
Let me not sink to be a clod,
Make me Thy fuel, Flame of God.

Prayer: Dear Jesus, thank you that you are the Light of our lives. No matter what age we are, help us to keep growing in you until our last day. Amen.

Sing or say this precious verse and note the words:

I heard the Voice of Jesus say,
‘I am this dark world’s Light;
Look unto Me, thy morn shall rise,
And all thy day be bright’:
I looked to Jesus, and I found
In Him my Star, my Sun;
And in that Light of Life I’ll walk
Till travelling days are done.

LHS 306 v3

About the Author

Val Petering

Val is an active member of St Petri Lutheran Church in Nuriootpa, Barossa Valley, SA. Until recently, she led the visiting of the elderly people, was the area Leader for Samaritan’s Purse, and served the Bible Society on a state and local level. She enjoys Bible Studies and prayer groups. Val loves her family and friends, and enjoys gardening, reading, music and craft.