God is Light. God is Love.

This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is light and in him there is no darkness at all (1John 1:5)

God is love, and those who abide in love abide in God, and God abides in them (1John 4:16b).

There are two basic insights into the character and action of God, which form the basis of the entire life of faith – in Jesus Christ.
1. God is Light
2. God is Love

If we could grasp these two simple, yet profound theological insights - and live in them, life would be different.

All creation comes into being and flows from God’s love, as he says: ‘Let there be light!’ All of God’s redemption takes place as the action of gracious love, whenever the light of Christ shines in the darkness of a sinful human race. Evil and sin - sometimes called ‘darkness’ - are an intrusion. God’s light shines in the darkness, and the darkness does not overcome it.

The Darkness of evil will ultimately all be destroyed. It has been overcome. The fruit of True Love will remain. Love Builds Up.

Central to all of this is the deed of Jesus’ cross, where Light and Love combine to judge evil, and transform the whole creation. Our trouble as human beings begins and ends with our refusal to truly love, and to genuinely walk in the light. We need grace and forgiveness, and all the benefits of the gospel, if ever we are to change. Self-effort will never do. But your grace O Lord abounds!

O Father, Son and Spirit, God of Light and Love, you cleanse us from all our darkness, fill our souls with Your Light and Love, and cause us to share the glory of Christ- all through the ministry of Jesus Christ. Open our lives Lord to the wonder of your gift – “grace, heaped upon grace”. Cause our walk of faith, to be a joyful one, in the light. Strengthen us to engage in the battle, where darkness seemingly abounds.