Let There Be Light

As the body of Christ in heaven and on earth join in communion of hearts and spirit to commemorate the dawning and birth of our eternal Savior, we’ve been thinking a lot about light.

The people living in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned (Matt.4:16).

A people living in darkness is a people trapped in spiritual bondage and on track for eternal death. At the time of the birth of Christ, not only were the sons and daughters of Israel living in spiritual darkness, but also, militarily, politically, economically and culturally, they were subject to the occupation of a foreign power, the Roman Empire. Such subdued people were a people without hope. When humanity is trapped in darkness, it needs light. Of course, neither a light bulb nor even the sun can light the weary hearts and souls of humanity. So, what kind of light?

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6).

In his deep compassion, God saw the stumbling of Israel, that is, the suffering and wandering of the entire human race. Humanity needs a special light in which there is life, love and eternal hope. Only the Savior can give that, and it is found in Jesus!

Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this (Isaiah 9:7).

Jesus has come to establish the rule of light and life in our hearts. In solidarity with the body of Christ in heaven and on earth we celebrate and proclaim the light over our world!

The rise of global insecurity and the Covid-19 pandemic have mounted fear on humanity. In that area of darkness, we celebrate and proclaim light.

In life in West Africa as elsewhere, suffering and pain remain prevalent in many homes and families. Lost hearts wander in the darkness, looking for hope in the wrong places. We praise God that “on those living in the land of the shadow of death, a light has dawned!” Therefore, we proclaim light!

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind (John 1:1-4).

May the Savior’s light shine into every area of our lives where there is wandering and uncertainty.

Onto the world and every aspect of human life and society, we celebrate and proclaim light. As we are lit up and filled in with grace and truth by the Savior, may we rise up and shine life, love, joy, peace and hope into the world!

Written by Sosthene and Kara Maletoungou, who serve with Resonate Global Mission in West Africa.