“That was the true Light which gives light to every man coming into the world. He was in the world, and the world was made through Him, and the world did not know Him. He came to His own, and His own did not receive Him.” John 1:9-11
It is a sad truth that Jesus made the world and gave life to all, yet people do not know Him or trust Him as their God and Life-giver! Even His own people — including the religious leaders of Israel — did not accept Him as the Son of God and their Messiah and Savior! What about you today?
Dear Lord Jesus, grant that I hear Your Word and believe You created me and gave me life. You are the true Light. You reveal to me my utter sinfulness and Your judgment against sin, and You reveal to me that there is forgiveness and life through faith in Your name. Grant that I repent of my sinful ways and trust You as my Savior. Amen.
“There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. This man came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all through him might believe. He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light.” John 1:6-8
John the Baptist came to point people to the One who is the Light and Life of the world so that all might believe in Him (Jesus Christ). Note that John was not the Light but was sent to tell people of the Light. In the same way, pastors and churches are not the Light but are to point people to Jesus Christ, the Light who gives life to the world.
O Jesus Christ, my Life and the only Light of the world, grant that I hear Your Word and look to You and Your cross in faith for pardon, forgiveness, and life eternal. Amen.
“And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.” John 1:5
Now, since the fall into sin, Christ Jesus and His saving truth shine in this dark and sinful world, but people cannot understand and grasp God’s truth and the life Jesus offers and gives.
Grant us Your Holy Spirit, O Lord, so that we might see and take hold of the truth of Your Word and trust in Jesus Christ, our Savior. In His name, we pray. Amen.
“In Him was life, and the life was the light of men.” John 1:4
It was the eternal Son of God who gave man life — both physical and spiritual. He created us in His image so that man knew God and His will, loved Him, trusted Him, and sought to honor Him in all his thoughts, desires, words, and actions. Sadly, man’s disobedience and rebellion against God have marred and corrupted the image of God in which we were created.
We thank You, dear Lord Jesus, for creating us for life in fellowship with You. Restore us to that fellowship through faith in You and Your atoning sacrifice on the cross for our sins. Amen.
“Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name. For the LORD is good; His mercy is everlasting, and His truth endures to all generations.” Psalm 100:4-5
Need a reason to be thankful to the LORD and to enter His courts with praise? Consider His goodness to you in giving you life, family, and all your goods! Consider His mercy on you, His forgiveness, for the sake of Jesus Christ and His innocent sufferings and death on the cross in your stead! Consider that the truthfulness of His promises endures to all generations and remains true for you! Remember that He gives you life and has provided salvation for you in His Son, Jesus Christ.
Thank You and praise to You, O LORD, for giving me life, salvation, and all things! In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
