James 1:17-18 (NRSV)
Every generous act of giving, with every perfect gift, is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. If in fulfillment of his own purpose he gave us birth by the word of truth, so that we would become a kind of first fruits of his creatures.
This passage in James calls God the “Father of Lights.” The name sparks the imagination, evoking visions of a bright glowing presence a shiny, bearded man in the sky, stars surrounding the God who made them. It’s a great name and a fabulous image. Furthermore, James lists the effects of God’s light:
His light creates not a single shadow.
His light gives all good and perfect gifts.
His light gave birth to word and truth (Jesus is called the word made flesh in John 1, and John 14 says that he is the way, the truth and the life).
The father of Lights is the perfect light, and we can be extremely grateful for bringing His light into the world through a baby. All is calm, all is bright …
Pray: Your light brightens all darkness and calms all fears. Thank you for the gift of light. Amen.
