Introduction
Christmas is a time of light. The streets are lit up, homes are decorated, celebrations are prepared. But behind this outward light lies another reality we all know : the darkness that invades our lives, our families, our world. In this message, Claude Ekwe reminds us of a very simple piece of good news : wherever light enters, darkness leaves. This light has a name, Jesus, and it came for you.
Message Outline
1. What darkness is in our lives
- In biblical language, darkness symbolizes a world without God, a place where his presence is no longer found.
- Darkness is there from the beginning, on the surface of the deep, even before light appears (Genesis 1).
- It shows itself through the works of the flesh : sexual immorality, impurity, idolatry, hatred, discord, jealousy, dissension, division (Galatians 5).
- It also fills the world around us : wars and rumors of wars, famines, earthquakes, violence even in stadiums, in the streets, in homes (Matthew 24).
2. The kingdom of darkness and its prince
- Darkness is not neutral : it has a ruler, an army, an impact. The devil is its prince.
- The Bible also calls him the god of this age and the prince of the power of the air.
- His mission is to steal, kill, and destroy, and this reaches into our homes, our families, our hearts.
- The wages of sin is death ; but the free gift of God is eternal life.
3. Jesus, the light that comes to drive out darkness
- God said : "Let there be light," and there was light. His word has transforming power.
- This light took on flesh : it is a man, and his name is Jesus (John 8 : 12).
- Wherever light enters, darkness no longer has a place. A single lamp is enough to change an entire room.
- Christmas is celebrating the arrival of this Savior who came to destroy the works of the devil and offer you a fresh start.
4. Choosing light rather than darkness
- "Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness rather than light" (John 3 : 19).
- Many prefer their own desires, their own will, their own path. And as long as you remain in darkness, you have no access to the light.
- Isaiah announced it : "There will be no more gloom for those who were in anguish" (Isaiah 8 : 23, cf. Isaiah 9:1).
- "For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders" (Isaiah 9 : 6). This Prince of Peace wants to reign in your life.
5. Receiving this light tonight
- Receiving Jesus means believing in your heart that he died and rose again for you, and confessing it with your mouth.
- To all who received him, he gave the right to become children of God (John 1 : 12).
- It is a personal decision, made before God : handing him your past, your sins, your fears.
- This light can forgive you, set you free, and let you begin 2026 clean, clear, and new.
Key Takeaways
- Darkness, in the Bible, refers to everything lived without God : in you, around you, in the world.
- The devil is a real prince, but he is not king. Jesus came to destroy his works.
- A small light is enough to push back a great deal of darkness. Christ is enough to push back yours.
- Christmas is not first and foremost a festive mood, it is the arrival of a Savior who comes looking for you right where you are.
- Choosing the light is a precise act of faith : believing in your heart and confessing with your mouth that Jesus is Lord.
Personal Application
- Very concretely, in which areas of my life has darkness settled in over the past few months?
- Do I sometimes prefer darkness to light, because light would force me to change something?
- Have I personally made the decision to welcome Jesus as the light of my life, or am I still living on someone else's faith?
- Who can I bring this light to this December : a family member, a coworker, a neighbor who does not yet know Jesus?
- How do I want to begin 2026 : dragging along the darkness of the past, or walking in the light of Christ?
Verses Cited
- Genesis 1 : 3-5
- Galatians 5 : 17-21
- Matthew 24 : 6-8
- John 8 : 12
- 1 John 1 : 5-6
- John 1 : 4-5
- John 1 : 9-12
- John 3 : 19
- Isaiah 8 : 23
- Isaiah 9 : 5-6
- Romans 6 : 23
Further reading
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly does "darkness" mean in the Bible?
In biblical language, darkness does not only refer to the absence of physical light. It symbolizes a world without God, a place where his presence is no longer found, where evil can take hold. It shows itself both in the human heart, through the works of the flesh listed in Galatians 5 · and in the world around us, through violence, injustice, and suffering.
How does Jesus specifically "drive out" darkness?
Just as a single lamp is enough to light up an entire room, Christ, the light of the world, dispels darkness the moment he enters a life. Concretely, he comes to forgive sin, free us from the chains of the past, calm our anxieties, and give a fresh start. His presence does not need to force darkness out : it simply makes it retreat.
What should I do to welcome this light into my life?
The Bible gives a very clear answer in Romans 10 : believe in your heart that Jesus died and rose again for you, and confess with your mouth that he is Lord. You can do this right where you are, in a simple and sincere prayer, handing him your life, your past, your sins. Then, surround yourself with a local church and brothers and sisters who can walk with you step by step in this new walk in the light.
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