In John’s Gospel, Jesus tells us He is the light of the world. All good things come from Him. Wherever you are in life, the Church wants you to know that Christ loves you, and He cares about you. It is my hope and prayer that these 20 verses about the light of Christ will shine forth in you. In light of the Catholic faith, may you feel the presence of Christ’s love and His peace within you, within your family, and in the world.
Prophecy of Christ’s Holy Light
1. The Light of God Shines Forth in Christ
The people who sit in darkness have seen a great light, on those dwelling in a land overshadowed by death light has arisen.” Matthew 4:16
The Holy Light of Jesus Christ
St. John Chrysostom said that the reason why the people “sit in darkness” is because they had given up on walking in the darkness. Just when things seem that they are at their worst, God, in His goodness, gives us the holy light of Jesus Christ, our savior.
“Christ is the eternal splendor enlightening our minds and hearts.” + St. Ambrose
Morning Glory with Christ the Messiah
From the Canticle of Zechariah…the “daybreak” is in reference to the Messiah:
Because of the tender mercy of our God by which the daybreak from on high will visit us to shine on those who sit in darkness and death’s shadow, to guide our feet into the path of peace.” Luke 1:78-79
2. God Reveals Christ’s Light to the Gentiles
A light for revelation to the Gentiles, and glory for your people Israel. Luke 2:32
Christ is a Light to the Gentile Nations
Jesus is a light to the Gentiles and to the nations all over the world for those who believe in Him. The light of Christ to the Gentile nations was prophesized in Isaiah.
I will make you a light to the nations, that my salvation may reach to the ends of the earth. Isaiah 49:6b
Prophecy of Light to the Gentile Nations
| Verse | Description |
|---|---|
| Isa 42:6 | A light to the nations… |
| Isa 49:6 | I will make you a light to the nations… |
| Isa 52:10 | in the sight of all the nations… |
St. Paul and St. Barnabas
Paul and Barnabas quote Isaiah in the Book of Acts while they were evangelizing:
For so the Lord has commanded us, ‘I have made you a light to the Gentiles, that you may be an instrument of salvation to the ends of the earth. Acts 13:47
Christ is the Light of the World
3. The Divine Life of Christ, the Son of God
Through Him was life, and this life was the light of the human race. John 1:4
The Word of God
Jesus is the Son of God and the author of life. He is the source of all grace. We find our natural and supernatural life in Him. Everything came to be through the Word.
“The Word of God has but to give a gesture of command and everything falls into place; each creature performs its own proper function, and all together constitute one single harmonious order.” + St. Athanasius
The Word became flesh in order to redeem the flesh…(CCC 1015).
4. The Light of Christ Overcomes the Darkness
The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. John 1:5
Christ the Light of Eternal Truth
When we pray the Act of Faith, at the end of the prayer, we affirm that “God is the eternal truth and wisdom that can neither deceive nor be deceived.” Jesus is the light of eternal truth that repels the powers of sin, darkness, death, and all deceptions of the devil. The power of darkness is unable to comprehend the light of Christ.
“Christ is the fountain of life and spiritual illumination; for from him come all these things: wisdom, life and eternal light.” + St. Columban
Faith in Christ
It is through our faith in Christ that we are able to see and feel His light working within us and others who have accepted Him in their hearts as Lord and Savior. When we are baptized in Christ, we partake in His light and go forth on mission to proclaim it.
The Conversion of St. Paul
5. The Light of Christ Enlightens the Soul
The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world. John 1:9
The Divine Light Within Us
The light of Christ gives us the capacity to discern what is truth. We’ve been given the ability to understand what is good and what is evil. St. Thomas Aquinas says this is nothing else than an imprint of the Divine light within us. God is the Creator, and we human beings are part of His creation. In God’s mercy, He has given us His Son.
“Sunlight is a symbol. What we see with our eyes foretells the coming of the Sun of Justice.” + St. Gregory of Agrigentum
6. The Light of Christ Came into the World
And this is the verdict, that the light came into the world, but people preferred darkness to light, because their works were evil. John 3:19
Sacrament of Christ’s Mercy
We are inclined to sin. It is called concupiscence. God, in His goodness, understands this. He has given us the sacrament of confession to reconcile us to Him. God’s Word, and the sacraments will help keep us from the darkness of sin and in Christ’s light.
Light or Darkness
There is a verse from the Book of Proverbs that helps further explain this verse.
Fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and discipline. Proverbs 1:7
Follow the Word
At any given moment of the day we can either accept or reject the light of Christ in our lives. To believe in Him is to follow Him in Word and sacrament. Should we reject the Way of Christ for the selfishness of sin in all of its forms, including idolatry and immorality, we prefer the darkness of the world. Let us imitate Christ in His love for us.
“Brethren, we must imitate Christ if we truly love Him. We shall not be able to render better return on that love than by modeling our lives on His.” + St. Augustine
7. The Light of Christ Exposes the Darkness
Everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come toward the light, so that his works might not be exposed. John 3:20
Adam and Eve
When Adam and Eve sinned in the Garden of Eden, they tried to hide from God.
When they heard the sound of the LORD God walking about in the garden at the breezy time of the day, the man and his wife hid themselves from the LORD God among the trees of the garden. Genesis 3:8
Lessons Learned
A moral lesson learned here from one of the Church Fathers, St. Cyril:
“Everyone who does wickedly refuses the illumination of the light, not because he is ashamed of his wickedness, and repents, for if he did, he would be saved, but because he prefers to be in ignorance of the better way, lest in his daily sins he should feel the stings of conscience.” Source: Cornelius a Lapide Commentary
Detest the Sin
God calls us to turn away from the darkness of our sins and to detest them. He calls us to live a life of love in His light: in prayer, in sacrament, in Word, and in good deeds. Every Catholic family should be living together in their prayers, in the holy sacraments of the Church, in the reading of the Word, and in works of mercy and good deeds.
8. The Disciple of Christ Lives in His Light
Whoever lives the truth comes to the light, so that his works may be clearly seen as done in God. John 3:21
Good Living in the Light of Christ
When the disciple chooses to live in the light of Christ, a transformation takes place. The previous way of life that the darkness this world offers us is rejected. A lifestyle of sin and idolatry is washed away through the precious blood of Christ on the cross.
“When a soul has come to hate sin and has delivered itself as far as it can to the power of virtue, it undergoes a transformation by receiving the grace of the Spirit. Then it is healed, restored, and made wholly new.” + St. Gregory of Nyssa
Works of Mercy
The disciple of Christ lives in His light: a life of love, self denial, and works of mercy.
Spiritual Works of Mercy
- Admonish the sinner.
- Instruct the uninformed.
- Counsel the doubtful.
- Bear wrongs patiently.
- Forgive offenses willingly.
- Comfort the afflicted.
- Pray for the living and the dead.
Corporal Works of Mercy
- Feed the hungry.
- Give drink to the thirsty.
- Clothe the naked.
- Shelter the homeless.
- Visit the sick.
- Visit the imprisoned.
- Bury the dead.
9. The Light of Christ is the Light of the World
Jesus spoke to them again, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” John 8:12
Light of Faith
We may try to follow Jesus in the light of faith, but the seas can be rough, and we can begin to sink in disbelief in Christ’s love for us, in sin, and in the darkness of the world.
Jesus said, “Come.” Peter got out of the boat and began to walk on the water toward Jesus. But when he saw how strong the wind was he became frightened; and, beginning to sink, he cried out, “Lord, save me!” Immediately Jesus stretched out his hand and caught him, and said to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” Matthew 14:29-31
Never Give Up
Never give up. Even though Peter began to sink, he still cried out to the Lord to save Him, and the Lord responded in the light of His mercy, and He saved him.
“Lord, shed upon our darkened souls the brilliant light of your wisdom so that we may be enlightened and serve you with renewed purity.” + St. Ephrem
10. Christ Reveals He is Light of the World
While I am in the world, I am the light of the world.” John 9:5
Jesus is With You
It is a mystery that when Jesus came down from heaven, He was never absent from heaven. He has ascended back to the Father, but He is still with us on earth.
Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age.” Matthew 28:19-20
RCIA Testimony
I heard a beautiful testimony about some RCIA catechumens who said they are converting to the Catholic faith because of the witness of some of the laity they observed who are authentically living their lives in Christ’s light. It has had a spiritual impact on them, they said, and they want Christ’s light in their lives too.
The Light of Christ Delivers Us from Sin
It is the light of Christ that delivers all of us from the darkness of sin and separation from God. The Word reveals to us Christ is the source of all truth, goodness, and love.
“God does not rise or set but remains forever.” + St. Augustine
11. Disciples of Christ Follow His Light
If one walks during the day, he does not stumble, because he sees the light of this world. John 11:9b
Journey of Discipleship
The road we travel on our journey of discipleship can have all kinds of obstacles and diversions. Sometimes, we might not be sure where life is taking us, but if we remain steady in His light by keeping the commandments and having faith, we can be assured by His words that we will find safe passage, and He will not abandon us.
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give it to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid. John 14:27
Road to Eternal Life
If we try to walk around in the dark without a light, we will be more prone to stumble or fall. When the light of Christ shines in our lives through the reading of His Word, prayer, and the sacraments, we can better see our faults, our sins, and all that makes us stumble. The best way to stay in the light is to detach from all that is not His light.
“Remove all obstacles and stumbling blocks so that you will be able to go straight along the road to eternal life.” + St. Cyril
12. Those Who Believe Approach His Light
I came into the world as light, so that everyone who believes in me might not remain in darkness. John 12:46
Christ the Redeemer
Jesus came into the world to save us from the darkness of sin and separation from God. The Father sent the Son into this world to redeem us and deliver us from the error of ways that stem from unbelief and rejection of God and the commandments.
For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him might not perish but might have eternal life. John 3:16
Good Priests Exemplify Christ’s Light
Jesus has returned to the Father and asks that His chosen disciples, his bishops and priests, exemplify all of the light and love that He did during His public ministry.
“The warmth of the shepherd is the light of the flock. For the priest of the Lord should shine forth in his conduct and life, in order that the people committed to his charge may be able in the mirror of his life to choose what to follow, and see what to correct.” + St. Gregory
13. God is Light
Now this is the message that we have heard from him and proclaim to you: God is light, and in him there is no darkness at all. 1 John 1:5
Intimate Moments with God
If you have ever experienced an intimate moment with God and felt the rays of His light, His love, and His peace in your heart, especially during holy communion, you know what a privilege it is to be called by Him and strive to do His will as a disciple.
“If you remain in my word, you will truly be my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” John 8:31-32
Walk With God
To walk with God is to live in his light. To walk away from God is to live in darkness.
Light is to be understood here as truth and goodness; darkness here is error and depravity. To walk in light or darkness is to live according to truth or error, not merely intellectual but moral as well. Fellowship with God and with one another consists in a life according to the truth as found in God and in Christ. Source: USCCB
14. Christian Fellowship in the Light of Christ
But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, then we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of his Son Jesus cleanses us from all sin. 1 John 1:7
Gather Together in Christ
When we walk in the light of Christ, we walk with each other through the Church doors and gather before the altar where the blood of Christ cleanses us from all sin.
Fulfill your vows to the Most High. Psalms 50:14b
Christian Fellowship
Christian fellowship with one another extends beyond the parish pews and into the light of evangelization, parish programs, parish ministry, and all that is in God’s light.
God is light and always acts in a way in keeping with this light. If we imitate Him by walking in the way of light empowered by our relationship with Him through the eternal life that has come to dwell in us, two consequences follow: we have fellowship with each other, and the blood of Jesus cleanses us from all sin….walking in the light goes hand in hand with fellowship with God. 1. Walking in the light establishes communion not only with God but also with one another. 2. Walking in the light is evidence that we are in fact in communion with God, and that by continuing to walk in God’s ways we avail ourselves in an ongoing way of the cleansing power of Christ’s blood. Source: Catholic Commentary on Sacred Scripture
Characteristics of Christ’s Light
15. The Light of the Face and Clothes of Christ
And He was transfigured before them; His face shone like the sun and His clothes became white as light. Matthew 15:17
The Transfiguration of Christ
Peter, James, and John did not see the full divinity of Christ, as it says in scripture no human being can see Him and live, but they did get a glimpse of His divinity, and what a sight that must have been to stand and see just a glimpse of the glory of God!
“Christ ever refreshes us by the light of His presence insofar as we progress in our devotion to and longing for the things of heaven.” + St. Bede
The Glory of God
The radiant light from the glory of God is mentioned elsewhere in the Bible. Consider Moses, who eventually had to wear a veil over his face whenever he spoke with God.
As Moses came down from Mount Sinai with the two tablets of the covenant in his hands, he did not know that the skin of his face had become radiant while he spoke with the LORD. Exodus 34:29
The Radiant Light of the Lord’s Face and Clothes
| Verse | Description |
|---|---|
| Ex 33:20 | No one can see my face and live.. |
| Dan 7:9 | His clothing was white as snow… |
| Mt 17:2 | His clothes became white as light… |
| Rev 1:16 | His face shone like the sun at its brightest… |
16. The Light of the Face of Christ
For God who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” has shone in our hearts to bring to light the knowledge of the glory of God on the face of Jesus Christ. 2 Corinthians 4:6
The Light is Good
In the Book of Genesis, during the seven days of creation, God established light and darkness and separated them from each other in accordance with His divine plan.
God said: Let there be light, and there was light. God saw that the light was good. God then separated the light from the darkness. Gen 1:3-4
The Angels
It has been pointed out by the early Church the light is in reference to God’s angels.
“On the first day, when light was created and divided from darkness, the good angels were established in good and the evil in evil, and they were separated each from other.” Source: Corenelius a Lapide Commentary
Beatific Vision of God
Similarly, the light of Christ shines in human hearts, separating believers from unbelievers in the light of His truth. Those who believe seek to know Him in His Word and contemplate the light of His Divine face, the beatific vision of the Most High God.
“Through Christ our gaze penetrates the heights of heaven and we see, as in a mirror, the most holy face of God.” + St. Clement I
17. Christ Dwells in Unapproachable Light
Who alone has immortality, who dwells in unapproachable light, and whom no human being has seen or can see. To him be honor and eternal power. Amen. 1 Timothy 6:16
Christ Dwells in Unapproachable Light
St. Paul says in scripture that Christ is a Blessed Lord and the only Lord. He says that Christ dwells in unapproachable light, and that He is King of kings and Lord of Lords.
I charge you before God, who gives life to all things, and before Christ Jesus, who gave testimony under Pontius Pilate for the noble confession, to keep the commandment without stain or reproach until the appearance of our Lord Jesus Christ that the blessed and only ruler will make manifest at the proper time, the King of kings and Lord of lords, 1 Timothy 6:13-15
Be Faithful to God
In order for us to be with Him, Christ calls for us to be without sin by being faithful.
He is Lord of lords and King of kings, and those with Him are called, chosen, and faithful.” Revelation 7:14
Monastic Wisdom
In order for us to be faithful, we might need a sense of order in our day. Consider the monastic approach. Below is a schedule for a monastery of Benedictine monks:
Abbey Schedule
| Weekdays | Time |
|---|---|
| Prayer: Vigils and Lauds | 5:30 am |
| Breakfast | 6:30 am |
| Lectio Divina (Holy Reading) | 7:00 am |
| Mass | 7:30 am |
| Work | 8:30 am |
| Prayer: Midday Prayer & Lunch | 12:00 noon |
| Work | 1:00 pm |
| Prayer: Vespers | 5:00 pm |
| Lectio Divina (Holy Reading) | 5:30 pm |
| Supper | 6:00 pm |
| Community Recreation | 6:30 pm |
| Prayer: Compline | 7:00 pm |
| Recreation, Study & Leisure | 7:30 pm |
18. Christ’s Light is Wonderful for His Disciples
But you are “a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people of His own, so that you may announce the praises” of Him who called you out of darkness into His wonderful light. 1 Peter 2:9
They Left Everything and Followed Him
Jesus called the disciples to follow Him. They left everything and followed Him. It was a decision with radical changes taking place in their lives. They had a rabbi in Jesus who believed in them when no one else would. Jesus believes in you and me too.
It was not you who chose me, but I who chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit that will remain, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name He may give you. This I command you: love one another. John 15:16
God Choosing You
When Jesus chooses you to follow Him as He did with His disciples in those ancient days, it means He is calling on you to leave the darkness of this world behind and to live and abide in His wonderful light where His love consoles you within.
As a chosen disciple of Jesus, your world must revolve around Him and not your own.
“If you are wise, know that you have been created for the glory of God and your own eternal salvation. This is your goal; this is the center of your life; this is the treasure of your heart. If you reach this goal you will find happiness. If you fail to reach it you will find misery.” + St. Robert Bellarmine
19. Christ’s Light is Truth
And yet I do write a new commandment to you, which holds true in him and among you, for the darkness is passing away, and the true light is already shining. 1 John 2:8
The Light of the New Covenant
Christ rose from the dead in fulfillment of the scriptures. The light of the new covenant shines through and is rising in the hearts of His disciples. We are called to share His holy light with others, in Word and in deed, and by the way we live our lives.
We love because He first loved us. 1 John 4:19
Christ’s Word is Truth
The Word is Truth. Christ prayed to the Father to sanctify us in the truth.
Consecrate them in the truth. Your Word is truth. John 17:17
Just as Jesus loves us, we are called by Him to love one another. When we do that, the darkness of sin and ignorance of Christ begins to recede in our hearts and in the world.
“Follow the ways of God, and have respect for one another; let no one judge his neighbor as the world does, but love one another always in Jesus Christ.” + St. Ignatius of Antioch
20. Christ Proclaims the Light to All Nations
That the Messiah must suffer and that, as the first to rise from the dead, He would proclaim light both to our people and to the Gentiles.” Acts 20:26
Proclaim the Light of Christ
Christ is a light for both the Jews and the Gentiles. He is light for all the nations. He let His light shine through His apostles filled with the Holy Spirit, and that same light dwells in us who are baptized in His Name. We are called to proclaim the Light.
He said to them, “Go into the whole world and proclaim the gospel to every creature. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved; whoever does not believe will be condemned. Mark 16:15-16
Baptized in Christ
If you have not been baptized, please consider going to your local parish and discuss with your priest, deacon, or the parish staff. If you have been baptized, stoke the flame within you with a renewal of our baptismal promises in the Lord Jesus Christ +
20 Light of Christ Bible Verses
| # | Part | Verse | Description | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Prophecy of Light | Mt 4:16 | The people who sit in darkness… | Lk 1:79 |
| 2 | Prophecy of Light | Lk 2:32 | A light for revelation to the Gentiles… | Is 42:6 |
| 3 | Christ / Light of World | Jn 1:4 | Through Him was life, and this life.. | Jn 5:26 |
| 4 | Christ / Light of World | Jn 1:5 | The light shines in the darkness… | Jn 8:12 |
| 5 | Christ / Light of World | Jn 1:9 | The true light, which enlightens… | Jn 12:46 |
| 6 | Christ / Light of World | Jn 3:19 | And this is the verdict, that the light… | Jn 1:5 |
| 7 | Christ / Light of World | Jn 3:20 | For everyone who does wicked things… | Jb 24:14 |
| 8 | Christ / Light of World | Jn 3:21 | But whoever lives the truth… | Mt 5:14 |
| 9 | Christ / Light of World | Jn 8:12 | I am the light of the world… | Ex 13:22 |
| 10 | Christ / Light of World | Jn 9:5 | While I am in the world… | Jn 8:12 |
| 11 | Christ / Light of World | Jn 11:9 | He sees the light of this world. | Jn 12:35 |
| 12 | Christ / Light of World | Jn 12:46 | I came into the world as light… | Jn 1:9 |
| 13 | Christ / Light of World | 1 Jn 1:5 | God is light, and in Him there is… | Eph 5:8 |
| 14 | Christ / Light of World | 1 Jn 1:7 | But if we walk in the light… | Jn 7:17 |
| 15 | Characteristics / Light | Mt 17:2 | And He was transfigured before them… | Dan 7:9 |
| 16 | Characteristics / Light | 2 Cor 4:6 | Let light shine out of the darkness… | Gen 1:3 |
| 17 | Characteristics / Light | 1 Tim 6:16 | Who dwells in unapproachable light… | Ex 33:20 |
| 18 | Characteristics / Light | 1 Pt 2:9 | Out of darkness into His wonderful light. | Rev 1:6 |
| 19 | Characteristics / Light | 1 Jn 2:8 | And the true light is already shining. | Rom 13:12 |
| 20 | Characteristics / Light | Acts 26:23 | He would proclaim light… | Is 49:6 |
Petition: “May the light of the Risen Christ dispel the darkness of our minds and hearts. Amen.”
Prayer
“Lord, true light and source of all light, listen to our morning prayer. Turn our thoughts to what is holy, and may we ever live in the light of Your love. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God for ever and ever. Amen.” (Liturgy of the Hours Vol III p.926)
