At times, the world in which we live seems filled with an overwhelming sense of brokenness. War, tragedy, poverty, and corruption are no longer shocking. They seem almost commonplace. For some people, brokenness is personal. The hardships of one's life circumstances seem inescapable. Combined with the darkness of the world around them, this can cause deep feelings of despair. But, despite the imminent threat of trouble, there is a Light that will not fail to overcome even the deepest darkness. Jesus is the Light of the World The Gospel of John boldly proclaims, "The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it" (John 1:5). We need the light because we live in the shadow of our broken selves. Darkness is both around us and within us. We're often quick to point out darkness in the world, but slow to find it in ourselves. It's tempting to treat darkness as a social phenomenon, one that detectives and politicians must solve, or that family brings into our homes. It's easier to see the darkness around us instead of inside us. But the darkness lurks in us all. It's why a seemingly good family man can fall. Why pastors suffer depression and politicians play cover up. The darkness doesn't respect position. And so, we need a light with a capital "L." Light exposes and warms. The light of Christ exposes our darkness, revealing we all possess a sinful capacity to make the headlines. And if we think we don't, we're even more deluded than we know. But there is a Light, the true Light, and he has broken into this world to save those who will receive him. To live in the light of Jesus Christ, we have to first admit our inner darkness. We have to emerge from the shadows. John writes: "Whoever says he is in the light and hates his brother is still in darkness" (1 John 2:9). You see, we can't be the light and harbor hatred toward others, no matter what their political position, racial background, or even their moral failures. We might think, "I'm not a hater," but Jesus says those who insult others express hatred deserving of hellfire (Matthew 5:21-22). Why does Jesus take such a hard line on hate? Because it's demeaning people made by the Light. It's harboring self-righteousness as we peer down on others. It's refusing to forgive fellow strugglers or hang out with that family member smugly thinking, "I'd never make the mistakes you've made." It's abstaining from the reconciliation that Jesus died to extend. The darkness inside you and me contrib