The Light of the World is Jesus
- Dec 21, 2025
- 4 min read
Read Luke 2:8-11.
Notice the phrase, in verse 9: the glory of the Lord shone round about them. That phrase means to shine all around or to be surrounded with light.
The only other time that that phrase is used in the New Testament is in Acts chapter 26, when Paul was sharing his salvation testimony with King Agrippa:
At midday, O king, I saw in the way a light from heaven, above the brightness of the sun, shining round about me and them which journeyed with me. - Acts 26:13
The first “Christmas lights display” was the glory of the Lord which accompanied the angel as it pointed the shepherds that night to the Light of the world, Jesus Christ.
Read John 1:1-14.
Philip P. Bliss wrote the hymn, The Light of the World is Jesus, in 1875 for a revival service. (P. B. Bliss and his wife lost their lives in a train accident on December 29, 1876.)
Consider, for a few moments, this very “Christmas” hymn: The Light of the World is Jesus.
Verse 1) The whole world was lost in the darkness of sin, The Light of the world is Jesus! Like sunshine at noonday, His glory shone in; The Light of the world is Jesus!
Are we convinced of the truth that we live in a dark world? Are we convinced of the truth that we live in a dark community?
You might be surprised at this (I was!) but, according to crime statistics, with a crime rate of 93 per one thousand residents, Pineville has one of the highest crime rates in America compared to all communities of all sizes!
You are more likely to be the victim of a violent crime in Pineville than in other places in the United States!
You are more likely to be the victim of a property crime in Pineville than in other places in the United States!
Are we convinced of the truth that that darkness is a result of sin?
In the hustle and bustle of the season, we must constantly be reminded that the whole purpose for the coming of Christ - which we celebrate at Christmas - is that sinners might be delivered from the darkness of sin and bring us into the kingdom of Light! (Colossians 1:12–14)
Christmas is a time for giving! Let’s be intentional in sharing the light of Jesus Christ with those we come in contact with!
Verse 2) No darkness have we who in Jesus abide; The Light of the world is Jesus! We walk in the light when we follow our Guide! The Light of the world is Jesus!
Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life. - John 8:12
Read 1 John 1:1-9. Notice the phrase, "walk in the light."
Christmas should be a reminder that we should live our lives in conformity to God’s Word.
I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth. - 3 John 4
Living our lives in conformity to God’s Word; walking in God’s truth is the only way in which we can successfully “make it” in a world that grows ever more confusing and chaotic with each passing day!
Verse 3) Ye dwellers in darkness with sin-blinded eyes, The Light of the world is Jesus! Go, wash at His bidding, and light will arise; The Light of the world is Jesus!
In Acts chapter 26, as Paul is sharing his salvation testimony with King Agrippa, Paul records Christ as telling him this:
...To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me. - Acts 26:15-18
That’s the invitation that must be given to every boy, girl, man and woman in our community; the invitation to turn from darkness and turn to the Light which is Jesus Christ!
Verse 4) No need of the sunlight in Heaven we’re told; The Light of the world is Jesus! The Lamb is the Light in the city of gold, The Light of the world is Jesus!
Read Revelation 21:23-27. Can you imagine how bright the glory of God is?!?! So bright that there is no need for the sun in Heaven!
In his classic book, Pilgrim’s Progress, John Bunyan wrote of Pilgrim, as he was making his way toward the Celestial City, came to the Delectable Mountains where he meets with a group of shepherds who serve the King.
Before Pilgrim continues on his journey, the shepherds took Pilgrim to the top of a high hill, called Clear, so that he could get a glimpse of the Celestial City and “some of the glory of the place.”
This glimpse gave Pilgrim renewed hope. After enduring numerous trials, valleys of despair, and spiritual battles, the sight of the destination provides tangible hope and reassurance that his struggle has a worthy end.
This glimpse gave Pilgrim renewed courage helping him to face the remaining dangers and obstacles that he will still meet on his journey.
This glimpse gave Pilgrim renewed focus.
Praise the Lord that one day, those of us who know Jesus Christ as Savior will enjoy the Light of Jesus Christ for all eternity!
This hope - this certainty - should give us the strength to continue our daily journey through this dark and wicked world in which we live!
Invitation
Here's the chorus (and the challenge for each of us):
Come to the light, ’tis shining for thee; Sweetly the light has dawned upon me; Once I was blind, but now I can see:The Light of the world is Jesus!
To Christians: Have you allowed other things - struggles and difficulties - to cloud your view of Jesus? Come to the light!
To the Unsaved: You don’t even realize the fact that you are in darkness; the darkness of sin. Your only hope is to come to the Light that is Jesus Christ, receive forgiveness of your sins and the gift of eternal life! (Please watch the video at salvationfocus.com.)
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