God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” made his light shine in our hearts. . . .

— 2 Corinthians 4:6

Today’s Bible passage calls us back to the creation story, reminding us that the God who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” is the same God who is working in us today. And God’s work here is about creating the light of faith within our hearts.

The text tells us that “the god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers.” They are unable to recognize Jesus Christ for who he really is. They might see him as an interesting historical figure or someone who lived a moral life worth imitating. Some might say that Jesus challenged political and religious structures to the point that people in power had him killed. While these things may be true, they are merely shadows in comparison to the light of who Jesus really is.

By the light of God’s creative mercy, we see that Jesus, who was born in Bethlehem, is “the image of God” in human form. In Jesus, the light of God’s glory has entered our world, living, dying, and rising among us so that we might see the full extent of God’s love. In joyful response to this merciful work in our hearts, we join the apostles in renouncing “secret and shameful ways” in order that we might proclaim Christ as the light of the world.

God, we confess that we need your light to shine in the darkness of our hearts. By your mercy, we renounce our sinful ways so that the joy of your love may overflow through us. Amen.