Jesus, the Sun of Righteousness
Scripture Reading — John 8:12-20
Jesus … said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”
John 8:12
It was night in Bethlehem when Jesus, the Sun of Righteousness, was born. The world lived in darkness and yielded to sin, but when Jesus was born, the light that enlightens everyone beat back the darkness—so that all who were prisoners of sin could be liberated, justified, and guided in the paths of righteousness.
Where the sun shines, the darkness withdraws.
The sun brings light and heat. The sun provides energy and healing.
Jesus Christ is a sun and shield. He gives grace and glory. Jesus illuminates, warms, and purifies.
Christmas is a holiday full of light, for the baby born in Bethlehem is the bright morning star. Christmas is a celebration of salvation, because Jesus Christ is the sun of justice and righteousness. The Old Testament prophet Malachi announced that “the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its rays” (Malachi 4:2).
Jesus brings glorious and blessed salvation. When Jesus was born, there was light at midnight; when the Son of God died, there was darkness at noon (Mark 15:33). When the sun of justice enters your life with its shining rays, the darkness of your night is dispelled and you become a child of light.
Illumine my soul, O Lord, with the light of your wonderful splendor, so that I may lead a life that honors you. In Christ. Amen.
About the author — Hernandes Lopes
Hernandes became the Portuguese ministry leader for Today's sister Portuguese ministry in 2010. He also serves as the director of the organization Luz Para o Caminho (Light for the Way), an organization formed in partnership between ReFrame and the Presbyterian
Church of Brazil. Hernandes has authored more than 160 books and is a popular and respected conference speaker in Brazil. Hernandes graduated from Seminário Presbiteriano do Sul in Brazil and earned a Doctorate of Ministry from Reformed Theological Seminary in
Jackson, MS.
Hernandes and his wife, Tinha, have two adult children.
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