The Inner Light of Christ
In our journey, there are moments when darkness can feel
overwhelming, manifesting as grief, confusion, depression, or the quiet
numbness of spiritual dryness. In these times, we may ask ourselves, where is
God in this shadow?
Yet, John’s Gospel reassures us of a light that no darkness
can overcome — the light of Christ. This is not a distant cosmic truth; it is a
living reality within you, an eternal flame that mirrors the light which spoke
creation into being.
The Power of Small Light
The paradox is that the darker the room, the more powerful
even a small light becomes. Just as a single candle can transform an entire
space, the light within us often shines brightest in seasons of trial. While
pain may linger, we are never without a guiding presence.
I once believed that light was something to be “found,” as
if it existed only outside of me, waiting to be grasped. However, through deep
struggles, I discovered that the light was already there, quietly illuminating
my path. Prayer and silence became the practices that unveiled it.
The Flame Within
The inner light of Christ cannot be extinguished. Even in
moments of unworthiness, even when mistakes cloud your conscience, the flame
remains. You might shield it with shadows, but it is never gone. Like the sun
behind storm clouds, it patiently waits to shine again.
This light holds a purpose beyond personal comfort: it
calls us to be bearers of light in a world burdened by despair. Every act of
kindness, every moment of forgiveness, every word of encouragement reflects
Christ’s light to others. Perfection is not required; simply let the light you
carry shine through the cracks of your humanity.
To live by this light is to live with hope. Shadows will
always exist, yet the Gospel assures us they will never hold the final word.
The light of Christ cannot be overcome; it assures us that even in the darkest
night, dawn is certain.
Personal Reflection
I remember a season of profound personal loss when darkness
felt heavy. Each day, I bore grief that seemed insurmountable. Yet in the
stillness of early mornings, as I sat quietly with Scripture, I sensed a steady
flame within. It was not dramatic, but a flicker of peace that refused to
extinguish.
That inner flame carried me when nothing else could. Over
time, I recognized it as the light John wrote about — not a fleeting comfort,
but a constant presence. Even in doubt, even when I struggled to pray, the
light endured. As I shared small acts of care with others, I noticed that same
light growing brighter.
Journaling Guide:
- Recall
a time in your life when you felt surrounded by darkness. Did you notice
any “light” — peace, guidance, or hope — present with you?
- Reflect
on John 1:5. What does it mean to you that the darkness cannot overcome
the light?
- Write
about a moment when you were able to offer light to someone else. How did
that feel?
- What
practices (prayer, silence, service, creativity) help you connect more
clearly to the inner light of Christ?
- Imagine your heart as a lamp. What is one way you can remove a “shade” that covers your light this week?
