I love the hymn Hark! The Herald Angels Sing. While it was first penned as a somber Christmas hymn in the 1700’s by Charles Wesley, it took on a new life in the 19th Century when George Whitfield added the now famous first line, and the poem was combined with an upbeat secular tune by Felix Mendelssohn. The line that always catches my attention is “light and life to all he brings.” At the core of the Christmas message, Jesus’ coming opens the door in a dark world for the real light and real life to come to everyone.
Advent is the “season before”, a time of waiting. When we think of Christmas, we often imagine sparkling lights, festive decorations, and the warmth of family gatherings. But the light we celebrate during Advent is far more profound than the glow of candles or twinkling bulbs. It is the eternal Light, the One who existed before creation and whose brilliance never fades. This is the Light that came into the world in Jesus Christ, bringing life, hope, and healing to all who will trust him.
Genesis tells us that “God said, ‘Let there be light,’ and there was light” (Genesis 1:3). That light was not only the beginning of time, but the foundation for everything that followed. It reminds us that God’s light is not a temporary flicker or something we can manufacture on our own—it is eternal, unwavering, and life-giving. Long before there were stars in the sky or sunrises over the hills, the Light existed, and it was good. This Light eventually became flesh, making his dwelling among us, showing us not only the way but the very life of God.
John’s Gospel makes this even clearer: “In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” (John 1:4) The world, in all its brokenness, is full of darkness. Fear, doubt, pain, and sorrow often feel overwhelming. Yet the Light of Christ is not only present in these places—it shines in them, piercing the shadows and bringing hope where it seems impossible. And here is the comforting truth: darkness cannot and will not overcome this Light. No matter how deep the shadows, no matter how heavy the burdens, God’s light is more powerful.
As we begin this Advent season, it’s worth reflecting on where we need the Light to shine in our own lives. These 25 Advent devotional thoughts are intended to help us. Each thought is rooted in a scripture about the light of creation, the light of the prophets, the light of Jesus, and the light of the Church. Let these small sparks remind you of the greater light—Jesus—whose presence cannot be extinguished.
Prayer: Jesus, thank You for being the Light of the world that never fades. Thank You for coming into our world to bring life, hope, and healing. Shine Your light into the dark corners of my life and help me to trust that no darkness can overcome You. Show me how to reflect Your light to others this Advent season, so that they may also experience life as you meant it to be. Amen.