December 6, 2025
John 1:1–5, 9 opens with one of the most powerful declarations of Advent truth: “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” John’s Gospel begins before Bethlehem—with the eternal Word who was with God and was God. This passage reveals that Jesus is not just the light of the season but the light of creation itself. Advent light reminds us that no matter how deep the darkness seems, it can never extinguish the presence or power of Christ.
Devotional:
Every Advent, the candles start small—just a single flame flickering against the shadows. Yet that one flame changes the room. Light doesn’t need to shout to be noticed; it simply shines, steady and unafraid. John’s Gospel opens with that kind of light—the kind that has always been, that always will be, and that no darkness can overcome.
“The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us.” These words aren’t just theology; they’re hope written in light. The same Word that spoke galaxies into existence stepped into human frailty to bring us life. Before Jesus healed, taught, or called disciples, He was the light—God’s own presence entering our night.
John doesn’t ignore the darkness. He names it—but he refuses to give it the last word. That’s the heart of Advent. The world still groans, wars still rage, hearts still break, and yet the light still shines. The story of Jesus is God’s definitive statement that no matter how shadowed the world becomes, His light will not fade.
If you’ve ever walked through a season when hope felt dim, you know how powerful that promise is. Sometimes the darkness isn’t out there—it’s inside us: the grief we carry, the fear that follows, the disappointment that settles in when prayers seem unanswered. But Advent reminds us that light doesn’t wait for perfect conditions. It shines into the darkness. Christ doesn’t avoid the shadows—He enters them.
That means no part of your life is beyond His reach. No failure, no fear, no loss can hide from the One who spoke, “Let there be light.” You may not always see how He’s working, but the promise stands: the light still shines.
This season, don’t rush past that miracle. Slow down. Notice the light—the candle, the sunrise, the kindness that caught you off guard. Every glimmer is a reminder that God is here, still speaking, still shining, still redeeming the night.
The darkness may whisper that it’s winning, but the light laughs quietly and keeps shining. And that light lives in you.
Action:
Light a candle this evening and sit with it for a few minutes in silence. As you watch the flame, thank God that His light still shines in every shadow.
Prayer:
Light of the World, thank You for shining where I need You most. When life feels dim, remind me that Your light cannot be overcome. Let Your presence burn steadily within me and guide my steps in peace. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Thought for the Day:
The darkness never wins. Christ’s light still shines—and it lives in you.
Cheryl is on vacation so no sermon this week. This week, our hearts turn toward that first flicker of Advent hope. These devotionals invite us to slow down, breathe a little deeper, and remember that God still breaks into ordinary days with quiet mercy. The world may rush around us, but Advent asks us to look for the small signs of God’s nearness, the gentle ways He prepares our hearts before we ever notice. Each day this week points us back to the promise that Christ comes not only once in Bethlehem, but again and again into lives that feel worn, waiting, or ready for renewal. My prayer is that these readings draw you close to the One who comes with light in His hands and love that won’t let go.
