Member-only story
Jesus, The Light of the World
The symbolism of light in a season of darkness
In the ancient world, a great deal of symbolism was associated with the sun and with its life-giving light. In the dark of winter, ancient people craved the warmth and light provided by the sun. Symbolically, it signified energy, optimism, and power. It illuminates and helps to sustain life.
In ancient Israel, lamps were lit on the Shabbat, in the evening of the Holy Day, the day of rest. They were the last melacha, or prohibited labor, that one would do right before the Shabbat began.
In addition to providing light and warmth after the sun went down, the lights symbolize God’s divine presence. Proverbs 20:27 says:
The candle of God is the soul of man
Even today, devout Jews light the Shabbat candles with reverence.
In Isaiah, the prophet tells us that:
Your light has come, the glory of the Lord shines upon you (Is. 60:1)
and
The sun will no more be your light by day,
nor will the brightness of the moon shine on you,
for the Lord will be your everlasting light,
and your God will be your glory. (Is 60:19)
