Our Constant Star: Advent Day 2

Read & Journal

Read John 1:1-5. Then, to dig a little deeper into what you’ve read, consider these journal prompts: 

• What examples of light do you notice in these verses? 

• What does that imagery teach you about Jesus? Jot down a quick list. 

• Mull over the first verse of “O Savior of Our Fallen Race.” How do you see the ideas you’ve read in today’s passage showing up in that verse of the ancient hymn? 

• These verses focus heavily on two concepts: light and life. Think about what the opposites of these qualities. By showing us that Jesus is the source of light and life, what does John’s Gospel teach us about death and darkness? 

• The light Jesus brings is the light of eternal life and hope. How have you experienced that hope this week? 

Ponder

O Savior of our fallen race,

O Brightness of the Father's face

Not long ago, as thunderstorms rolled out of the area, my house suddenly plunged into darkness. Sure, I’ve navigated my house plenty of times in the dark, but truth be told, there’s always a little bit of light—the streetlamp shining in the living room window, the nightlight in the downstairs bathroom, the security light outside in the yard. 

But when the power went out that Friday night, it was instantly completely and totally dark. No light. Very little sound as all the appliances stopped working. Just darkness and quiet and, truth be told, a tiny bit of fear and hopelessness. 

That’s similar to the picture the apostle John painted at the very beginning of his Gospel. In five short verses, John teaches us so much about Jesus. He is eternal; He is God; and He is the source of eternal life and all that exists. 

In the world John lived in, the dualism of light versus darkness was easy to see. Most ancient religions recognized gods who represented both elements; most people understood light as a symbol of good and darkness as evil. That idea is definitely at play here, as John shows us Jesus, the Brightness of the Father’s face, bringing light and goodness into the darkness of the world. But he’s also showing us more. 

The light of Jesus brings life. John is inviting his original audience and us to go beyond the ideas of good and evil, light/life and darkness/death to behold the Life Giver. To know him. To rest in the truth of who he is and to live our lives in a way that reflects that light to the world. 

We live in a dark world—but Jesus is the light and the source of life. Our eternal hope and our hope for today can only be found in him. May his light shine brightly in your life today.