There are two stories of beginning we find in our bibles. The first is in Genesis with the creation narrative; the second in the gospel from John. In each of these, light is a prominent theme.
In Genesis, the first of God’s creative efforts, the first words spoken are “Let there be light.” There is an inherent prominence to first things, and here, light takes prominence as the first recorded object of creation.
In John, we see the Word that was with God at the beginning was also the light of the world. The world came into being through the light, but the world didn’t recognize the light (John 1:10).
Light is our source. Our beginning. And although sometimes we don’t recognize it, light is the energy by which we see. Both in the physical, scientific sense and in the spiritual, metaphysical sense. Photons are emitted from a source, like the sun, and reflected into our eyes, Those photons are then captured and translated into an image of the reality around us.
In a similar fashion, the source of all things moves about us, waiting to be captured by our hearts and minds to give us a glimpse of God’s will for the world. Even though we cannot always comprehend the source, it is the energy by which the ways of the maker illuminates the darkness and guides us in our way.
VERSE: John 1:1-5, 9-14 1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was with God in the beginning. 3 Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. 4 In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.
9 The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world. 10 He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. 11 He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. 12 Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God— 13 children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God.
14 The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.
Prayer: O God of light, shine into our hearts once again and illuminate the path of your ways. Allow us, despite our lack of understanding at times, to be guided by the Word that is the Light, from where all things began and to which all things will return.