2 Corinthians 4:6

For it is the God who said, ‘Let light shine out of darkness’, who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.

In today’s world, a flick of a switch moves us from darkness to light. In ancient biblical times it was more difficult to provide light, and the disciples, like their contemporaries, feared shadows and the dark. We can join them across the centuries in realizing that darkness is also a metaphor for what goes on in our brain and heart. When evil overtakes us, we walk in darkness. When we choose evil, we have chosen the dark. But now, as then, we have the promise that darkness, such as the darkness of our guilt, or the darkness of death, shall not have the final answer, the final power, or the last word. Now, even now, during these Lenten nights we are given brightness, for the God who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” now shines in our hearts to give us light because Jesus provides light and rightfully calls himself “the light of the world.” That is a claim we again find to be true whenever we choose to be near him, through the study of the Word and our prayers.

Prayer: Loving God, shine in our lives, so that as we follow in your paths we do not stumble. Let Jesus, “the Light of the World,” enlighten our heart and mind with your love. Amen.

Rev. Lily M. Villamin
First United Methodist Church of National City
South District