Our pastor, Travis Hood, did a sermon on John 8:12 two weeks ago and I felt it was perfect to share with y’all this Christmas season.

I think it’s safe to say that everyone knows we live in a dark world and Christmas time is usually a distraction in the chaos. With all the decorations, lights, family and friend gatherings it’s easy to stay busy and forget about the darkness. But God has given us more than a distraction. He has given us hope that comes from the one who came to us in the darkness to save us.

John 8:12 Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

We are born in a dark world, we stumble through life trying to find our way, bumping into things that are in our way that cause pain and suffering. We search in the darkness to satisfy ourselves and to find fulfillment. We pursue popularity, money, success. We abuse alcohol and drugs to escape the emptiness we feel in our life. We look to relationships to satisfy and comfort us. All of those things ultimately fail us. They only leads us deeper into the darkness.

The only way to overcome darkness is for a light to shine. The good news that Christmas brings is that Jesus Christ was born to bring light to the world. He says, “I am the light…” God didn’t leave us in the dark. He sent Jesus to bring light back into the world and overcome darkness.

Friend, you don’t have to stay in the dark, Jesus said, “Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light.” Through Christmas God offers us a light that is much more than just a distraction, God offers us a way out. That’s why we celebrate Christmas. Jesus is the light of the world.