“Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord rises upon you. See, darkness covers the earth and thick darkness is over the peoples, but the Lord rises upon you and his glory appears over you. Nations will come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn.” Isaiah 60:1-3 (NIV)

Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky as you hold firmly to the word of life. Philippians 2:16 (NIV)

Jesus told his followers, “I am the light of the world.” (John 8:12)

Here in John chapter 12, Jesus is days away from his death…

“Then Jesus told them, “You are going to have the light just a little while longer. Walk while you have the light, before darkness overtakes you. Whoever walks in the dark does not know where they are going. Believe in the light while you have the light, so that you may become children of light.”

John 12:35-36 (NIV)

Believe in the light while you have the light…

There was urgency in Jesus’ message to those following him—believe in the light (in Jesus) while you have the light (while I’m with you) because darkness threatens to overtake you. After Jesus’ death all hope seemed lost. Even his closest friends and followers were confused—their Messiah was supposed to reign forever and now he was gone.

But light overcame darkness. Jesus rose from the dead on the third day—conquering death, the right judgement for sin—and led the way of eternal life for believers.

Believe in the light (in Jesus) so you may become children of the light…When Jesus ascended to the heavenly realms (Ephesians 1:20), the Holy Spirit was sent to dwell in those who believed in his name. Believers became carriers of the light or ‘children of light.’

If you haven’t believed in Jesus Christ for salvation, this message is for you—believe in the light before darkness overtakes you. There is still time to believe in the light.

If you trust Jesus died for your sins and live for him, you are a child of light. It’s your message now (and mine).

So, brothers and sisters,

“Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord rises upon you. See, darkness covers the earth and thick darkness is over the peoples, but the Lord rises upon you and his glory appears over you. Nations will come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn.”