Light It Up

John 1:5 – “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.”

Sometimes we forget just how powerful light is—especially when we’ve grown used to navigating the dark. But the opening lines of the Gospel of John pull us back to the beginning: before anything was made, Jesus was.

The Word. With God. Fully God. And full of life.

John isn’t just giving us poetic language—he’s declaring that Jesus is the Light who has authority over everything made. He created it all. Sustains it all. And even when darkness creeps in, it cannot and will not overcome him.

When we look around at our world—global tension, personal hardship, mental fog—it’s easy to wonder, “Where is God in all this?” But John reminds us: Jesus is the Light. And he came to dwell with us, right in the middle of it.

Jesus stepped into the dark places of our lives not just to comfort us, but to conquer what we could not. Sin, death, confusion, despair—none of these get the last word. Jesus does.

And when he shines, he doesn’t just brighten our day. He brings life. Not the temporary kind that depends on circumstances, but eternal life—deep, abundant, and steady—even when everything around us feels unstable.

This passage echoes Genesis 1: “Let there be light.” Just like then, Jesus speaks into our chaos and gives it form, meaning, and beauty. Even in your most uncertain season, the Light is still speaking.

Reflection Questions:

• Where do you need Jesus to shine light in your life right now?

• Are you listening for his voice in the dark places?

• Who around you needs to be reminded that the darkness won’t win?

Prayer: Jesus, you are the Light that no darkness can overcome. Thank you for creating me, sustaining me, and choosing to move toward me in my mess. Shine in the areas of my life that feel confusing, overwhelming, or broken. And help me reflect your light to others who are walking through darkness. Amen.