The first important place in Scripture where the Word and the Light are joined together is Genesis chapter one, the creation of light through the speaking of God’s Word. The second is at the dawn of the new creation, John chapter one. There the evangelist declares, “The Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.” At the creation, the Word brought forth light in the midst of darkness, but when humanity plunged that perfect creation into sin and death, darkness intruded again. The Word was called upon once again to bring light, and the Word did its work, as John triumphantly declares: “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.”
“Lo, on those who dwelt in darkness, dark as night and deep as death, broke the light of Thy salvation, breathed Thine own life-breathing breath. Alleluia, alleluia! Praise to Thee who light dost send! Alleluia, alleluia! Alleluia without end!”
Darkness enveloped all creation, dark as night and deep as death. But on Christmas Eve, when all was still and dark, light broke into the darkness. Isaiah saw this dawn of light coming from afar, and he declared, “The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shined.” The Light broke into the darkness, and as John declares, “The darkness has not overcome it.” The Light came into this world to bring forth a new creation, to destroy the darkness of sin and death. God speaks, and it happens. The Word goes forth from the throne of God and becomes man, bringing light, bringing breath, just as at the beginning. The breath of God made Adam a living being; now the Word, the Light, breathes into those in darkness, those living in the shadow of death, and brings life and light.
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