Tag: Licht der Welt

Lights are one of the pre-Christmas traditions. Our streets and houses are lit and full of lights. We light a new candle on the Advent wreath every week and the Christmas tree is also decorated with shining lights.

We should not forget what is the meaning behind it and be aware of what the light reminds us of. All the lights that we light for Christmas bear witness to Jesus, who came into the world as light. He is the source of light, the light itself, the light of the world that illuminates our darkness. Its light shines brighter than the sun and illuminates our path.

“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light on my way. Psalm 119: 105

There is light in him and there is no darkness in him. God becomes human, gives himself and fills our life with his light, his love, his hope, his peace. Filled with its light, we shine and can become lights ourselves.

“You used to be darkness; but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light. ”Ephesians 5: 8

In connection with him, if we stay in him, we can bring and be light because he provides us in abundance. In his presence our lights will not go out, but will flare up again and again. If we try to be and give light on our own, after a while we will tire and burn out and have no more energy. Just as a lamp has to be connected to the energy source in order to shine, so we have to be connected to God’s light source. How important this connection is for us, Jesus describes in the parable of the vine and the branch:

Jesus said to his disciples: “I am the true vine. Stay in me, then I stay in you. Just as the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, but only if it remains on the vine, so you cannot bear fruit either if you do not abide in me; I am the vine, you are the branches. Whoever remains in me and in whom I remain brings rich fruit; because apart from me you can do nothing. If you stay in me and if my words stay in you, then ask for whatever you want: you will receive it. ”And further Jesus says:“ As the Father loved me, I also loved you. Stay in my love! I ask you this: Love one another! ”

To remain in his love and to bring to the world his love is the mission that Jesus gives us. Don’t hide our light, but put it on a candlestick so that everyone can see it. How can we be light for others? We can be light by giving ourselves away. Here is a short story:

Story of a candle “Now you’ve lit me and look into my light. You rejoice in my brightness, in the warmth that I give. And I am happy that I can burn for you. If not, I might be lying around in an old box – no use. I only get meaning through burning. But – I know only too well – the longer I burn, the shorter I become, the more I am inclined to my end. You will say “burned down” and throw away what is left of me. I know there are always these two options for me: Either I stay in the box – untouched, forgotten, in the dark – or else, I’m burning, getting shorter, giving everything I have in favor of light and warmth. So I am bringing about my own end. And yet, I think it’s nicer and more sensible to be able to give something away than to stay cold and lie in the gloomy box …

With this in mind, I wish everyone a Merry Christmas and I wish all of us that we will again and again become aware that the light of Jesus lives in us. So let us shine for others too by:

• giving presents to our fellow human beings
• offering practical help
• praying for one another
• blessing each other
• passing on good thoughts
• encouraging others
• giving away our smile
• giving our time write or call a letter / card
• visiting lonely and sick people
• listening to each other
• Inviting someone
• telling about Jesus, the light of the world

“Get up, be light; because your light is coming and the glory of the Lord is on you! ”Isaiah 60: 1

“You are the light of the world. The city on a hill cannot be hidden. Matthew 5:14 “

“For this is how the Lord commanded us:” I have made you the light of the Gentiles, that you may be salvation to the end of the earth. “” Acts 13:47

“But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy people, a people owned, that you should proclaim the benefits of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.” 1 Peter 2: 9

Light is vital for us humans, just as important as water and food. Light enables us to perceive our environment with our eyes, it controls many processes in our body, sleep and wake rhythm (internal clock), it influences our state of mind and our wellbeing. Sunlight provides us with vitamin D, which is responsible for building our bones. According to the latest scientific studies, sun rays prevent cardiovascular diseases as it lowers blood pressure.

Now in November, when the days are getting shorter and it is getting dark early, we notice how we long for light. During this time, I move my daily walk to midday or early afternoon so that I can still enjoy the last rays of sunshine. At home in the evenings, I like to make myself comfortable in the living room, turn on the fire and warm on the bench by the stove. I like to light a candle and watch its glow. A small light in a room can illuminate the whole room and dispel the darkness.

In the world too there is darkness, suffering, hardship, difficult circumstances and crises. In such situations we lack light, we can no longer see further, we have no orientation. The darkness robs us of joy and scares us.

But it is precisely in these moments that we can see a light. There is a light that illuminates the whole world, it cannot extinguish all the darkness of the world.

“I came into the world as a light, so that everyone, who believes in me, does not stay in the dark” John 12,46

Jesus is the light that drives away all darkness. Darkness must fade away in its light. Jesus brings light to dark winter days, his light shines brighter than the sun. Jesus brings light into our hearts, Jesus illuminates the way for us. Look at the light, turn to it and let it shine in your heart. Jesus’ light is stronger than anything that makes you sad or scares you. With Jesus the true light came into the world (John 1: 9-12).

“For with you is the source of life, and in your light we see the light.” Psalm 36:10

“The people who live in the dark see a bright light.” Isaiah 9: 1

Where we meet Jesus, the light, change, healing, restoration happen. We can flourish in the presence of its light. Jesus drives out all darkness. Even in difficult circumstances his light is consolation and salvation for us. With him we see everything in a different light. We don’t have to stay in the dark, the light lets us know God’s love for us. The more we live in his light, the brighter we will shine ourselves and so we can become little lights ourselves and pass on Jesus’ light to our fellow human beings. We shouldn’t keep it to ourselves, but let it shine for all people who are in the dark.

Christ says: You are the light of the world. So let your light shine before people so that they may see your good works and praise your Heavenly Father. Mt 5:14

Nobody lights a light and puts it in a secret place, not even under a bushel, but on the candlestick, so that whoever goes in can see the light. Luke 11:33