March 5th, 2023:

Title: Living in the Light of Christ

Scripture Reading: John 8:12-20

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

Today, as we gather in worship, we are reminded of the light that Jesus brings into our lives. In the Gospel of John, Jesus says, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life” (John 8:12). This is a powerful statement that reminds us of the transformative power of Christ’s light in our lives.

As we reflect on this passage, we are reminded of the darkness that can sometimes surround us. We may be struggling with anxiety, depression, addiction, or other challenges that make it difficult to see the light of Christ. However, Jesus reminds us that when we follow him, we will never walk in darkness. We can trust that he will lead us to the light of life.

What does it mean to live in the light of Christ? First, it means that we must be willing to surrender our lives to him. We cannot walk in the light if we are holding onto our own agendas, desires, and plans. We must be willing to let go of our own ways and follow Jesus wherever he leads us.

Living in the light of Christ also means that we must be willing to let go of the darkness that holds us back. We may be struggling with sin, shame, guilt, or regret, but we can trust that Christ’s light will shine on us and free us from these burdens. When we confess our sins and turn to him, he will cleanse us and give us new life.

Finally, living in the light of Christ means that we must be willing to share his light with others. We are called to be witnesses of his love and grace in the world, shining his light in the darkness around us. We can do this by loving others, showing compassion, serving those in need, and sharing the good news of the gospel.

As we go forth from this place, let us remember that we are called to live in the light of Christ. Let us surrender our lives to him, let go of the darkness that holds us back, and share his light with others. May we be filled with the light of life that only he can give, and may we be a beacon of hope and love in a world that so desperately needs it.

In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, Amen.