The Present Light

John 1:1–14 KJV 1900

1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 The same was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. 4 In him was life; and the life was the light of men. 5 And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not. 6 There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. 7 The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe. 8 He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light. 9 That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world. 10 He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not. 11 He came unto his own, and his own received him not. 12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: 13 Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. 14 And the Word was made 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.

Series: Light in the Darkness: Jesus is the Light of the World  Sermon: The Present Light Scripture: John 1:1-14 Speaker: Rev. Adrian S. Taylor Setting: Springhill Church - 120 SE Williston Road, Gainesville, FL 32641 Season: Sunday, December 14, 2025 @ 10:00 AM

Main Idea: Jesus, the eternal Word, stepped into our world as the true Light so that we no longer have to stumble in the darkness of sin, confusion, and fear. In His coming, God moved near to us, revealing His heart, His holiness, and His hope in a way we can see, hear, and trust. This Light does not flicker, fade, or fail, but shines victoriously over every shadow that tries to cover our lives. When we receive Jesus by faith, we experience peace with God, new life as His children, and the courage to shine His Light in a dark world. Introduction:

The mayor of Toronto once launched a campaign called "Light the Night," urging residents to leave their porch lights on to deter crime in their neighborhoods. A similar initiative in Oakland, California, produced remarkable results as entire communities began to shine light intentionally into dark places. Crime decreased, and fear faded. Academic researchers later confirmed what Scripture has always proclaimed: light pushes back darkness, and darkness cannot prevail where light is present. Whenever light shows up, darkness loses its power.

God understands the peril of darkness far better than any architect, sociologist or city planner. He knows that darkness is not only a physical condition but a spiritual reality that grips the human heart. Humanity was sinking deeper into moral, emotional, and spiritual darkness, and in His mercy, God sent the true Light into the world through His Son, Jesus Christ. The first-century world desperately needed that Light. The Roman Empire controlled the land with a heavy hand. Oppression weighed on families. Unrest simmered in the streets. People were living, but without hope.

It was a dark time when gnosticism spread confused philosophies and hedonism shaped daily living.

It was a dark time when political corruption flourished, the poor were exploited, and unfair taxation crushed households.

It was a dark time when Pharisees and Sadducees managed religious rituals but neglected true worship and devotion to God.

It was a dark time when people read the promises of a coming Messiah but no longer believed God would move.

And today, we find ourselves in a world just as dark as the one Jesus entered.

It is a dark time now that culture embraces moral relativism, self-worship, and spiritual apathy as acceptable norms.

It is a dark time now that political corruption persists, and leaders often lack the courage to make decisions that uplift those who have been pushed to society’s margins.

It is a dark time now that people casually profess the name of Jesus yet refuse to study His Word, follow His teachings, or surrender their lives to His authority.

It is a dark time financially for many people who are struggling to put gas in the car, food on the table, pay rent, mortgages, utilities, and the essentials. 

It is a dark time for parents who are doing their best to raise their children safely, protecting them from the dangers of predators on the streets or behind technology screens. 

It is a dark time for grieving families who are struggling with the loss of loved ones. 

Yet into a world clouded by spiritual confusion, moral decline, and weary hearts, God once again reminds us that the Light has come. The Light has not dimmed. The Light has not weakened. The Light still shines, and no darkness, past or present, can overcome it. As we turn to John 1:1-13, we will discover who the Light truly is, what the Light accomplishes, and how we must respond to the One who continues to shine in every generation, including our own.

I. Identification of the Light (John 1:1-5)

A. The Divine Light (John 1:1-2)

John 1:1–2 KJV 1900

1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 The same was in the beginning with God.

John takes us beyond Bethlehem and invites us into the eternal realm where Christ already existed in full glory. The phrase "in the beginning" does not mark a starting point for Jesus but reveals that before there was time, space, or matter, the Word already was. Jesus is not a created being nor an elevated spiritual personality. He is the eternally existing Son who shares the same divine essence as the Father. John affirms His full deity and distinction within the Godhead. He is co equal, co eternal, and co divine, possessing absolute authority, perfect holiness, and unchanging power. In Christ, God did not send a messenger from heaven but came Himself. 

Quotable phrase: "Jesus did not begin in the manger, He stepped into the manger from eternity."

B. The Creative Light (John 1:3-4) 

John 1:3–4 KJV 1900

3 All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. 4 In him was life; and the life was the light of men.

Jesus is not only eternal but actively involved in the creation of all things. Nothing exists apart from His sovereign command. Every planet that spins, every ocean that swells and sways, every creature that breathes owes its existence to His creative authority. He is self-existent and self-sustaining and is the source of all physical and spiritual life. Christ is the divine agent of creation and the giver of life. The life that He gives is not borrowed but originates in Him. He holds creation together by the word of His power. 

Quotable phrase: "If Christ did not make it, it cannot exist, and if Christ does not hold it, it cannot stand."

C. The Conquering Light (John 1:5) 

John 1:5 The word "comprehended" translates the Greek katalambano, meaning to seize, overpower, or extinguish. John is declaring that darkness has never been stronger than the Light. Darkness cannot stop Jesus from shining. It cannot overpower His truth, cannot silence His voice, and cannot undo His victory. Conservative theology identifies darkness as the realm of sin, satanic influence, and human rebellion. Yet when Christ shines, darkness loses its grip and its authority. His Light exposes what sin tries to hide, heals what sin tries to damage, and overrules what sin tries to dominate. Quotable phrase: "Darkness does not intimidate the Light because the Light already governs the darkness."

John 1:5 KJV 1900

5 And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.

When you understand who this Light really is, something in your spirit ought to rise with confidence and courage. This is not a weak light. This is not a flickering light. This is not a seasonal light that glows for a moment and fades when life gets hard. This is the eternal Light who existed before time, the creative Light who shaped the universe, and the conquering Light who defeats every force that tries to stand against Him. So lift up your head and steady your heart. No matter how dark your situation feels, Jesus is greater than the darkness around you and the darkness within you. If He could speak galaxies into existence, He can speak peace into your storm. If He could hold creation in place, He can hold your life together. And if darkness could not stop Him then, darkness cannot stop Him now. 

Scripture References: Genesis 1:1-3, Psalm 27:1, Isaiah 60:1-2, Colossians 1:15-17, Hebrews 1:1-3

II. Invitation to the Light (John 1:6-9)

A. The Sovereignly Sent Witness (John 1:6) 

John 1:6 KJV 1900

6 There was a man sent from God, whose name was John.

John the Apostle shifts our focus from the eternality of Christ to the humanity of the messenger God appointed. This new John, John the Baptist, is not the Light. He is not divine. He is not eternal. He is a man who has been sovereignly commissioned for a kingdom assignment. His arrival on the scene is not accidental or incidental: it is intentional. It is divine strategy. Before the Light stepped into the world, God raised up a herald to prepare the way. Salvation is always God initiated and God orchestrated. No one comes to the Light unless the Lord draws them, and no one hears the message of the Light unless the Lord sends a messenger. John stood as a transitional prophet bridging the old covenant expectation with the new covenant fulfillment. His calling reminds us that God always uses people as instruments in His redemptive plan. Quotable phrase: "John was not the Light, but he was a lamp that pointed to the Light."

B. The Sacred Assignment of Witnessing (John 1:7) 

John 1:7 KJV 1900

7 The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe.

John’s purpose was not to entertain crowds or elevate his own name. His mission was singular and sacred. He came to testify. He came to declare. He came to lift his voice until hearts were stirred to look toward Jesus. John understood that witnessing is not about personal greatness but about pointing others to the greatness of Christ. To be a witness is a weighty calling that carries eternal consequence. Through John’s testimony, God opened the door for many to believe. In John we see someone with an urgent assignment to tell a dark world that there has come a great Light.   In a world with confusing messages and beliefs, we need to be crystal clear about our mission, message, and methods. People are very confused about what to believe and in whom they should believe. Satan tries to throw mud in  men's eyes, keeping them from seeing the light clearly. And so it becomes imperative for every child of grace who knows his sins have been forgiven to be sure about the Light. We may send out many invitations, but only one will light men's hearts, and that's the Lord Jesus Christ. Education, health, nor wealth will provide light. There is no politician, entertainer, or celebrity that can offer a light bright enough to bring light to the hearts of darkened men. 

This is still the work of every believer today. We are called to tell a dark world that they do not have to stumble in the dark, clamoring blindly to find their way. Jesus is the Light of the world! Quotable phrase: "Witnessing is not about being seen, it is about helping others see Jesus."

C. The Self Effacing Ministry of the Messenger (John 1:8) 

John 1:8 KJV 1900

8 He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light.

Here John clarifies a foundational truth. Though his work was powerful and his following significant, he was not the Light. True spiritual maturity recognizes the difference between the messenger and the Messiah. In a culture intoxicated with self promotion, personal brands, and attention seeking, the example of John the Baptist confronts us with holy humility. His ministry was not a spotlight ministry. It was a signpost ministry. He lived to direct attention away from himself and toward the Savior. Conservative teaching affirms that the gospel must never become a stage for ego, but a platform for Christ alone. Quotable phrase: "A true witness refuses the spotlight so the Savior can shine."

Illustration: The Lighthouse Keeper There is a story of a lighthouse keeper stationed on a rugged coastline where the waves crashed violently against the rocks. His job was simple but critical. Every evening he climbed the narrow steps to the lantern room and lit the great lamp that guided sailors safely home. But there was a night when a terrible storm rose and clouds covered the sky. Ships were tossing, struggling to find direction. But as long as the lighthouse keeper kept the lamp burning, the sailors could find their way. He never stepped outside to wave his hands. He never shouted his name across the water. He simply kept the light shining. Church, that is our calling. We are not the Light, but we keep the lamp burning. We lift up Jesus. We point the lost, the weary, and the broken toward the One who can save. And as long as the Light shines, somebody can find their way to Him.

If John could stand in the wilderness and cry out about the coming Light, surely we can stand in this generation and declare that the Light has come. If John could humble himself so that Christ might be magnified, surely we can set aside our egos and elevate the name of Jesus. The world is starving for truth and stumbling in darkness. People are searching for direction, hope, and peace. God has placed us here to point them to the One who can save their souls and steady their steps. Do not underestimate your voice. Do not minimize your testimony. Do not silence your witness. When you speak about Jesus, heaven stands behind your words. When you lift up Jesus, the Holy Spirit moves in power. When you shine for Jesus, darkness has to retreat. Let your life say what John said. I am not the Light, but I know who the Light is. And if you follow Him, you will never walk in darkness again. Let the church say Amen.

Scripture References: Isaiah 40:3, Matthew 3:1-3, Luke 1:15-17, John 5:35, Acts 1:8, Acts 13:47, 2 Corinthians 4:5-6 

III. Illumination by the Light (John 1:10-14)

A. Impact of the Light (John 1:10-13) 

John 1:10–13 KJV 1900

10 He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not. 11 He came unto his own, and his own received him not. 12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: 13 Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.

John now shifts from revelation to response. He shows us what happens when the Light enters a dark world. The tragedy John describes is a spiritual tragedy of cosmic proportion. The Creator stepped into His creation, yet creation did not recognize Him. This phrase "the world knew him not" is loaded with theological force. In the Hellenistic worldview, knowledge was the highest virtue and the pathway to enlightenment. Greek philosophy elevated empirical knowledge and abstract reasoning as the keys to truth. In the rising tide of early gnosticism, salvation was believed to come through hidden knowledge available only to an enlightened few. But John boldly confronts that false system. He teaches that spiritual blindness is not cured by intellect, education, or earthly wisdom. It is cured only by divine illumination.

The Light was shining, but people chosen by God to anticipate His coming could not see Him because their hearts preferred darkness over truth. His own covenant people, who possessed the Scriptures and the promises, refused to receive Him because they expected a Messiah who fit their desires rather than a Savior who fulfilled God's design. Yet even in this rejection, grace prevailed. John declares that those who do receive Him are welcomed into a new family. They do not receive Him by lineage, effort, or human accomplishment, but by divine birth. God makes them His children by a supernatural work of regeneration. Quotable phrase: "Rejection never stops redemption because grace always finds those who will believe."

Illustration: The House With the Lights On A man once returned to his childhood neighborhood after many years away. As he drove down the familiar street, he noticed one house that stood out from all the others. It was the only house with every light on. Warm light poured through the windows and spilled onto the porch. He stopped his car and watched as neighbors walked past the house without glancing at it. Some hurried by. Others ignored it altogether. He said he wanted to shout, "Do you not see the house with the lights on? That house looks like home. That house looks like hope. That house looks like refuge." Church, that is the tragedy of our world. The Light of the world has come, yet many walk past Him without recognizing the One who can save their lives. But the blessing of the gospel is this. Somebody will see the Light. Somebody will hear His voice. Somebody will receive His grace. And when they do, they become sons and daughters of the living God.

B. Incarnate Light (John 1:14) 

John 1:14 KJV 1900

14 And the Word was made 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.

And the Word was made 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 is one of the most profound and glorious statements in all of Scripture. The eternal Word who spoke creation into existence took on human flesh. God did not send another prophet or raise another judge. He came Himself. The infinite God stepped into finite humanity. The omnipresent God took on a body that could get tired. The omnipotent God took on a frame that could feel weakness. The immortal God took on flesh that could die. This is the mystery and majesty of the incarnation. Jesus did not cease to be God when He became man. He added humanity to His deity so He could reveal God fully and redeem humanity completely.

John says, "He dwelt among us," meaning He pitched His tent with us. He moved into our neighborhood. He walked our roads, felt our pain, experienced our limitations, and bore our sorrows. And in Him, we saw glory, not the fading glory of Moses, but the eternal glory of the only begotten of the Father. That glory was full of grace that saves and truth that sanctifies. Quotable phrase: "God did not shout salvation from heaven, He wrapped salvation in flesh and walked among us."

Illustration: The Doctor Who Became a Patient A well respected doctor spent years studying a rare disease that afflicted thousands. He wrote books on it. He lectured on it. He trained other physicians to treat it. But one day, he discovered that the only way to develop a real cure was to experience the disease himself. So he voluntarily exposed himself to it, suffered through its symptoms, and lived through its pain. His colleagues were stunned. But he said, "I could not heal them from a distance. I had to feel what they felt so I could give them what they needed." Church, that is what God did through Christ. He became human so He could heal humans. He took on flesh so He could touch our condition. He stepped into our suffering so He could bring salvation. And because He became like us, we can become like Him.

If there was ever a moment to lift our hands in gratitude, it is now. For the God who stepped into His own creation has stepped into our condition. The Light did not remain distant. He did not observe our suffering from a heavenly balcony. He came near. He put on flesh. He walked our roads. He carried our burdens. He endured our pain. And when humanity rejected Him, He kept on loving. When His own refused Him, He kept on shining. When the world turned Him away, He opened wide the doors of grace and welcomed all who would receive Him.

Some may still reject Him, but somebody will receive Him. Somebody will believe His name. Somebody will be born of God. And for every believer who has trusted Him, the Light did more than shine around you, He shined within you. You are no longer stumbling in the shadows. You are standing in the radiance of His redeeming grace. So do not walk like those who cannot see. Do not fear like those who have no hope. Do not bow to the darkness when the Light lives in you.

The Word became flesh. The Light became life. And the glory we behold in Jesus is the glory that transforms us day by day. Let your heart rise in worship. Let your voice declare His greatness. Let your life reflect His glory. The Light has come, and because He has come, darkness does not get the last word. Let the church say Amen.

Scripture References: Philippians 2:5-11, Hebrews 2:14-18, 1 Timothy 3:16, Isaiah 9:6, Colossians 1:15-20

Sermon Close: He Came Full of Grace and Truth 

Let your hearts lean in as we celebrate the Christ who stepped into our darkness with unstoppable Light. Church, hear it again. Hear it with power. Hear it with conviction.

He came full of grace and truth. 

When humanity had run out of answers, He came full of grace and truth. When the law had shown us our guilt but could not give us freedom, He came full of grace and truth. 

When prophets had spoken, but no one had broken the chains of sin, He came full of grace and truth.

He came full of grace and truth to lift the broken. 

He came full of grace and truth to heal the wounded. 

He came full of grace and truth to restore the fallen. 

He came full of grace and truth to redeem the lost.

He came full of grace and truth when darkness was thick. He came full of grace and truth when hope was thin. 

He came full of grace and truth when sin was strong. And He still comes full of grace and truth every time a sinner calls His name.

Grace

Grace to reach you. Truth to change you. 

Grace to forgive you. Truth to transform you. 

Grace to welcome you. Truth to wash you. 

Grace that meets you where you are. Truth that refuses to leave you as you were.

So lift your head, O believer. Wipe your tears, O weary one. Strengthen your heart, O child of God. Because the One who came full of grace and truth is still full today. 

Full enough to forgive every sin. Full enough to restore every life. Full enough to shine in every shadow. Full enough to keep you until the day He calls you home.

Let the whole church declare it with joy. He came full of grace and truth.

Amazing grace, how sweet the sound That saved a wretch like me. I once was lost, but now am found, Was blind, but now I see.

As the congregation sings, they are reminded:

Grace saves.

Grace sustains.

Grace strengthens.

Grace leads us home.