Now days we are surrounded by artificial light. It is difficult for us to appreciate the way night was perceived in earlier times. For centuries, people illuminated their dwellings and work places with fire. It was not until William Murdoch invented the gaslight in 1803, however, that large areas could be lit up after dark. For centuries before that, people walked in darkness--literally.

In the centuries in which the Bible was written, people knew the meaning of darkness. Thus when Biblical writers proclaimed that the people who walked in darkness have seen a great light, they were speaking of something vivid, dramatic, hopeful. When they spoke of Christ as the light of the world, they were ascribing to him the ability to transform their world from one of darkness and despair to one of hope and joy. You must understand the darkness of that world to appreciate the words of the Psalmist: "The Lord is my light and my salvation. Whom shall I fear?" (27:1) Or the words of John: "The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it." (1:5)

Perhaps if we lived in Alaska, we could get a feel for darkness. Barrow, Alaska, on the Arctic Ocean, is the northernmost point in North America. In winter, it is also one of the darkest. The sun set there this past November and won't be seen again until the end of January. Getting through over two months of night isn't easy.

The people of Barrow understand the significance of light. In the last part of January, when the first feeble rays of sunlight peep back over the horizon, some Harrovians will take to the ice to fly brightly colored kites in a jubilant celebration. The darkness has been dispelled. Light is now here.

It isn't easy to live in darkness, and it isn't easy to live without Christ.