DAY 1: THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD

There are 235 passages in the Bible that include the word “light.” Many of these verses are referring to the Messiah — known as the light of the world. In the Old Testament, 700 years before Jesus was born, the prophet Isaiah wrote about a Messiah who would someday come, saying, “The people who walk in darkness will see a great light. For those who live in a land of deep darkness, a light will shine.” This verse is used again in Matthew 4:16 right when Jesus began His ministry on earth as if to say, “The Messiah we’ve been waiting for is now here!”

When Jesus came as the long-awaited Messiah, He came as the light of the world to expel all darkness, sin, and death. Jesus said in John 8:12 (NLT), “I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.” Jesus referred to Himself as “the light of the world” because His example and teachings illuminate the path we, as believers, should follow.

Jesus is the light of the world, our Savior, and our hero. As you’ll hear in the lyrics of today’s song, “Hero,” written by Aaron Moses of AMEN Music, without Jesus, the world is dark and broken — in need of a Savior who can show us the pathway to live in the light.

“I was in the darkness broken, ashamed.

I was crushed beneath the weight of my mistakes.

Oh, I was guilty, I wore the blame.

But it only took one moment, just one name.

I called upon the only one who saves.

When I needed a hero, Heaven’s King stepped down to earth. When I needed a clean soul, holy blood fell to the dirt.

And once and for all love took the fall — Jesus you are my hero.”

Prayer: Jesus, thank you for being my hero. Thank you for saving me and setting me free of darkness, sin, and death. Illuminate my mind, heart, and soul with the light of your love and mercy today. Shed light on the areas of my life that need to be transformed by your truth. Let your light shine in and through me as I go about my day. In Jesus’ name, AMEN!

Song: Hero by Aaron Moses from IN THE LIGHT by AMEN Music.