Light of the World, You Stepped Down into Darkness

Advent is a season of waiting and preparing our hearts for the coming of Christ. John 1 presents a beautiful picture of the incarnation, allowing us to see the glory of Christ. As you read verses 1-3, we see that before creation, before the world began, Christ was. Advent is a season in which we are not merely celebrating the birth of a baby; we are in complete adoration of the sovereign Lord who humbled Himself for our salvation.

Christ came into a world darkened by sin, rebellion, and spiritual blindness. The light of men entered into the darkness, which is the condition of the human heart apart from the glorious grace of Christ. As referenced in verse 5, “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” Darkness cannot overcome the light! The season of Advent reminds us that Christ did not come just to improve humanity, but He came to rescue us, a reminder that His grace shines where we could not provide our own light.

I am reminded of the first verse of the song, “Here I Am to Worship”:

“Light of the world, You stepped down into darkness,
opened my eyes, let me see.
Beauty that made this heart adore You,
hope of a life spent with You.”

This verse is a beautiful representation of what Advent is all about. It speaks of the wonder of the eternal Son of God and how He entered the darkness of this fallen world, bringing light and life to His people and displaying the sovereign act of God’s redeeming grace.

Scripture reveals this truth over and over again:  In Isaiah 9:2, we read that “The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light.” We also read in John 1:9 that “the true light, which gives light to everyone, was coming into the world”. Advent celebrates the divine initiative of God pursuing humanity, not humanity reaching out to God. John Calvin wrote, “Christ was not sent to make a beginning of salvation merely, but to bring it to completion.” The image of “light stepping down into darkness” helps us to see the doctrine of grace alone, otherwise known as sola gratia. We were blind in sin until God opened our eyes.

As we walk through Advent, let's not hold on to our feelings, efforts, or even our traditions, but let's hold on to Christ alone, who brings us closer to God.
 
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