Our Light

This message takes us on a fascinating journey through the symbolism of light in December, revealing how the celebration of Christmas emerged from ancient Roman traditions. We discover that before Christians celebrated Jesus' birth, Romans honored the winter solstice and the birth of Mithras, their god of the unconquerable sun, on December 25th. The early church brilliantly recognized that these pagans were unknowingly celebrating attributes of the true Light of the World—Jesus Christ. Drawing from John chapter 1, we're reminded that Jesus is the Word who existed from the beginning, through whom all things were created, and whose life brought light to everyone. The early Christians chose December 25th not randomly, but strategically, to proclaim that Jesus is the actual Light who conquers darkness. This mirrors Paul's approach in Athens when he used the altar 'to an unknown God' as a bridge to introduce the Athenians to the true God. The message challenges us to consider whether we truly know Jesus personally, not as a distant deity in a building, but as the living God who dwells within believers. As we face the darkness in our world and in our own lives, we're invited to reach out to Jesus, who still brings light into darkness today and offers new, eternal life to all who believe.