"Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, 'I am the light of the world; he who follows Me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.'” John 8:12
When our children were young, my husband and I tried to do family devotions each night. Sometimes we were more successful than others. It was easier during Advent, because each night we would light the advent candles and there were always so many good devotional books for that season. Other times it was not as easy, but we tried.
One year, after Christmas was over, we continued to light all five advent candles until Epiphany. Then after Epiphany we continued to light just the Christ candle. Through the days and weeks leading up to Lent, then through Lent and Holy Week, each night we would light the Christ candle as we did our family devotions. Then, on Good Friday, we did not light the Christ candle, nor did we light it on Saturday. Then on Sunday, I replaced the old white candle with a new one, for our Lord and Savior had risen.
The unlit candle reminded the whole family that without Good Friday there would be no Easter. It reminded us that . . .
because Jesus willingly died on the cross for our sins, we get to celebrate His glorious resurrection.
because Jesus willingly died on the cross for our sins, we have eternal life and one day will live with Him forever.
because Jesus willingly died on the cross for our sins, we now, through the Holy Spirit, have His light shining in us.
This Easter may the light of Christ shine in all of us, so that others may come to know Jesus as Lord and Savior.