OUT OF THE DARKNESS -- JESUS IS THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD

Touring Fisher Cave in Meramac State Park, one can see claw marks in various places, marks made by bears who became lost in the cave and were searching for a way out by pawing the walls, groping for a passageway to the cave opening by which their freedom could be regained.

Tour groups are made aware of the desperation these animals must have felt when all are asked to turn off their flashlights, the only source of illumination in the cave. Total silence, total darkness. After awhile, one may even begin to lose sense of balance, for not being given any sensory clues as to which way is up.

"Such is the state of our human condition. There is a way which seems right to man, but in the end it leads to death." (Proverbs 14:12,16:25) "The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?" (Jeremiah 17:9) "All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God." (Romans 3:23) War, famine, crime, greed, lawlessness, illness, all these and more to a great extent, bear witness to the darkness in which humanity lives.

In the Star Wars Trilogy, Luke Skywalker's mentors are continually reminding him to beware of the "dark side" of the Force. Yet, in real life, the dark side is where human nature is most at home. It is what comes naturally.

Such is the reason for joy at Christmas time. "The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned. For unto us a child is born, unto 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 9:2,6) And you shall call him Jesus, because he will save people from their sins." (Matthew 1:21)

Jesus said, "I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No one comes to the Father but by Me." (John 14:6) "1 am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." (John 8:12)

Christmas is a celebration that God loved us enough to not leave us in darkness. He became one of us, to give us the light of life, that in following him, we are rescued from the desperate evil of darkness, and brought into the glorious light of eternal life. "Fear not, for good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today a Savior is born, he is Christ the Lord." (Luke 2:10-11)

Merry Christmas!