Such was the case in the revival during the days of the Maccabees. This family, devoutly fervent to the Scriptures had called the nation of Israel to repentance. Idolatry had spiritually devastated the people and the land. Only with a spiritual awakening could the nation be restored to as semblance of its past religious glory. The symbol of that future “light” was the Menorah to be lit one candle at a time. However, there was not sufficient oil to keep the lights burning. God miraculously supplied, and the light shown amidst the darkness of sin and evil. Centuries later, the Light of the world would again shine in and among humanity. What a night that must have been, with angel choruses and humble shepherds rejoicing over the birth of the long awaited Messiah. How could God become man and still be God. Yet the Apostle John tells us that is exactly what occurred --
… “the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and Truth.”(John 1:14)
But God was not through with the miracle of the Savior’s birth, for He continues to perform the miracle of the new birth in the life of every individual who places his faith in Christ. Jesus said, “I am the light of the world.” John says --
… “God is light and in Him there is no darkness at all.”(I John 1:5)
The Scriptures challenge us to be lights in a world of darkness, reflecting His glory, reflecting and revealing His grace.