Entering the Life-Light

The Light of the World

Scripture: John 1:9–13 (The Message)The Life-Light was the real thing. Every person entering Life he brings into Light… But whoever believed he was who he claimed and would do what he said, He made to be their true selves, their child-of-God selves.

There are moments when a verse does not simply speak to us—it enters us.

John tells us that Jesus is not just a bearer of light, but Life itself, and that this Life is the Light of all people. This is not metaphorical poetry meant to inspire us from a distance. It is a declaration of reality: to live is to be illuminated by God.

And yet, John grieves that the world did not recognize Him. The Light stood in their midst, and many did not see. Not because the Light was dim, but because hearts had grown accustomed to shadow. This truth can ache in us—especially when we consider those we love who remain unaware of the Life-Light still shining for them.

But then comes the promise that swells the heart:

Those who receive Him are given the right to become their true selves—children of God.

Not through effort.

Not through striving.

Not through lineage, discipline, or self-improvement.

We are God-begotten. Conceived in love. Breathed into life by His Spirit.

This is why transformation does not feel like force, but like freedom. As the Light enters, broken places do not need to be fixed—they fall away. We are not becoming someone new; we are becoming who we truly are.

And this Life-Light does not rush us. Walking with God—step by step, day by day—is enough. The work of transformation belongs to Him alone. Our part is simply to say yes.

Once we have tasted this Light, we cannot help but long for others to know it too. Not out of fear or obligation, but out of love. Because anyone separated from God is, at their core, brokenhearted—and the Life-Light heals from the inside out.

He loves what He has made.

He loves.

And that is everything.

Prayer: A Willing Vessel of the Life-Light

God of Life and Light,You are the breath that formed me,

the love that called me into being,

the Light that found me in my shadowed places.

Thank You for giving me life—not a life I earn,

but a life received.

Thank You for calling me Your child,

for making me God-begotten,

formed by Your love and held in Your grace.

Let Your Life-Light continue to enter every corner of my heart,

gently releasing what no longer belongs,

healing what has been broken,

and awakening me to who I truly am in You.

And Lord, as Your Light lives in me,

make me a quiet witness of Your love.

Not striving, not forcing, not persuading—but walking so closely with You

that others sense Your warmth and wonder.

Use my words, my presence, my listening, my love

to reflect the Life-Light to a world aching to be seen.

May those I encounter feel invited, not pressured—drawn, not driven—into the great hope You freely give.

I say yes again today.

Walk with me.

Shine through me.

Let Your Light do what only You can do.

Amen.

Shel Dammann

Rhythms of Grace Life Coaching