The Word Became Flesh: An Advent Devotional Day 9

 Day 9: Understanding Our Darkness

By Dr. Dimas Castillo

Scripture Reading: John 1:5; 1 Corinthians 2:14; James 4:4

"The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it."

Reflection

Our problem is not primarily that we lack information about God—it's that we are hostile toward Him by nature. The darkness John describes isn't ignorance; it's opposition. It's not that we're "in the dark" about Jesus; it's that, apart from His grace, we actively resist Him.

This is sobering but essential to understand. We didn't just need a teacher; we needed a Savior. We didn't just need more light to see by; we needed new eyes altogether. The natural person "does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him."

This makes the gospel even more stunning: Jesus came to those who were His enemies, who closed their eyes to His light, who preferred darkness to Him.

Consider

- How does understanding your darkness as "hostility" rather than just "ignorance" change how you view your need for Christ?

- In what ways do you still see evidence of preferring darkness to light in your own heart?

- What does it reveal about God's love that He sent His Son to hostile enemies?

Application

Be honest with God today about the ways you still resist His light. Confess specific areas where you choose comfortable darkness over uncomfortable truth.

 Prayer

Father, I confess that apart from Your grace, I am darkness itself—hostile to You, resistant to Your truth. Thank you for not leaving me in that condition. Thank You for pursuing me when I was Your enemy. Continue Your work of transformation in me. Amen.