The True Light of the World
by Kathy Makuakane, Executive Assistant to the Senior Pastor
I was raised in an atheist family. We did not believe in a god, attend church, or pray, and I did not know even the basic story of Christmas. I’m deeply grateful that I do know it now.
In high school, I began to wonder about the meaning of life. I wrestled with the question that if I did well in school, secured a successful career, married a good man, raised a family, aged well, travelled the world, and then—gulp!—died, what was the point? Even a positive life story seemed bleak.
That question led me to investigate whether there really was no God. I thought that if God existed and I did not believe in Him, at the end of my life, I would be lost. On the other hand, if I were somehow duped into believing in a God who did not exist, I would not be any worse off at the end of my life than if I didn’t believe in Him. (I learned later that this philosophical argument is called Pascal’s Wager.)
So, I simply started asking, “Are You there?” I asked many times over the course of many months and did not receive an answer.
Then, one quiet evening, I entered my dark bedroom at dusk. I could still see a faint light outlining my window. I have a detailed snapshot of that permanently etched in my mind because this was about to be a pivotal moment in my life. I asked once again, “Are You there?” This time I added, “Because I really want to know.”
To my shock, I very clearly got an answer: “Yes, I am here.” It wasn’t audible, but the words were absolutely unmistakable. I was stunned, as if I had taken a blow to my chest. I sat down hard on the bed, and I could not breathe. Tears streamed down my face and I would never be the same.
In that dark room, God began a process that He continues to this day, showing me more and more of who He is and that there is a very real and powerful point to this life. I had no idea then who Jesus was and how wonderful life with Him would be. That faintly illuminated window is a perfect metaphor. It was a faint light that has shown me the way to greater and greater discovery of the true Light of the world … Jesus.
As we prepare to celebrate Christmas, may we remember the point of the story. “The one who is the true light, who gives light to everyone, was coming into the world.” (John 1:9)
Reflection:
Think of a time when you sensed the Lord revealing Himself to you unexpectedly.
How did it change your life? What new things did you discover?
Dedicate some time to ask Him for more light, perhaps to answer an important question you still have.