Scripture:
“The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” — John 1:5
“For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.” — John 3:16
Devotional:
Before Bethlehem glowed with lamplight, the world was heavy with silence.
Four hundred years had passed since God had spoken. Kingdoms had risen and fallen. Hope flickered like the last candle in a storm.
And then—quietly, almost hidden—the Word took a breath.
Light entered lungs.
The Infinite became an infant.
No star could compete with that brilliance. It wasn’t the light above the manger that changed the world; it was the Light inside it.
The One who spoke galaxies into motion now cooed against His mother’s chest. The hands that had flung constellations into space grasped Joseph’s finger. Heaven’s radiance was small enough to fit in human arms.
That’s how God breaks darkness—not with a shout, but with a heartbeat.
Love wrapped itself in skin and moved into our shadows.
When John wrote, “The light shines in the darkness,” he was describing that first cry—a declaration that sin’s night was ending, that death’s grip was loosening, that the world would never be the same.
And why? Because “God so loved the world.”
Love didn’t stay distant. It came close enough to touch.
Every flicker of Christmas light, every glow on your tree, every candle burning in a window is just a small echo of that first great flame—God’s love shining through the face of Jesus Christ.
The darkness hasn’t won. It never will. Because Love has already turned on the light.
Application:
Where have you grown used to the dark—fear, cynicism, doubt? Ask Jesus to shine there, to warm what’s grown cold, to bring morning where you’ve stopped expecting it.
Prayer:
Jesus, You are the Light that no darkness can overcome. Let Your presence flood my heart tonight. Burn bright in me until others see Your love through my life.
Family Advent Activities
1. Yarn-Wrapped Star Ornaments
Cut star shapes out of cardboard or heavy cardstock. Wrap each one with different colors of yarn—white, gold, silver, or red—until the center glows with texture and color. Add a bit of glitter glue or metallic thread for sparkle.
Talk about how love isn’t just felt—it’s seen when we wrap our actions in kindness. As you wind the yarn, thank God for the way His love wraps around you and lights your life.
2. “Light of the World” Luminary Bags
Use white or kraft paper lunch bags. Cut small shapes—stars, hearts, crosses—into the front. On each bag, write someone’s name or place that needs Jesus’ light (e.g., “Grandma,” “school,” “our town”). Place a battery tea light inside and line them along a windowsill or porch at night.
As they glow, pray as a family: “Jesus, let Your love shine here.”
Recipe Options:
1. Stained-Glass Jam Cookies
Use a simple sugar-cookie or shortbread dough. Cut out shapes (stars, hearts, circles), then use a smaller cutter to create a “window” in the center. Spoon a bit of red or golden jam (strawberry, raspberry, or apricot) into the opening and bake until the jam melts into a shining, glass-like center.
As you bake, read John 1:5 together and talk about how Jesus’ love shines through us—just like light through these cookies.
Serve them by candlelight and watch how they glow.
2. Light-in-the-Dark Brownie Bites
Bake mini brownie cups, then press a white chocolate melt or yellow caramel candy in the center while still warm. The middle gleams when cooled.
As you enjoy them, say together, “The Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.”
