This is a beautiful time of year for families and loved ones as they draw close to exchange gifts and light lights. For many this means Christmas trees lit with multicolor strands or just warm white. For some this may mean window candle lights or lighted nativity sets or the lighting of the Advent candles together around the dining room table. For others this means lighting the Hanukkah menorah for the Feast of Dedication and games and gifts to follow. This is the season of gifts and lights.

In encouraging the early Messianic Jewish community, James or Ya’akov, the brother of Jesus shared powerful words. He was calling these believers to be joyful and bold in their faith and to be encouraged because, “…every good gift and every perfect gift is from above coming down from the Father of lights…” (Jam 1:17)

God as the Father of lights

Here James, as the rabbi over the messianic community in Jerusalem, used this term, “Father of lights” to speak to who God is. This is a reference, a call back, to the character of God within the Talmud (Jewish commentary). In Genesis, light is used to demonstrate a variety or special theological truths.

The supremacy and majesty of God in the creation can be seen here as an antithesis to other near-eastern religions which saw the sun and moon is gods themselves. No. In fact, within Genesis, light was first called into existence before celestial bodies like sun and moon were even created. You see God stands alone.

Light originates from Him and is used to demonstrate His supreme governance over all of creation. Intriguingly, in Jeremiah, He ties the permanence of His governance over all of creation to the permanence of His covenant with Israel.

Israel as the light of the nations

God’s special relationship with Israel is a gift to the world.

Isaiah 42:6 says, “I created you, and appointed you a covenant people, a light of nations” and Isaiah 49:6, “I will also make you a light for the Gentiles, that my salvation may reach to the ends of the earth.”

Israel was selected as the avenue through which God would reveal Himself to the gentile nations of the world. It is through this forever covenant that God’s character would be revealed to the world. The truth of God’s character is the light, and the light is the gift.

Messiah as the great light

During this time of the year believers gather and read the old prophecies foretelling the coming Messiah. This includes passages like that of Isaiah 9:2 which says, “The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shone.”

Following this, believers then read and celebrate passages of the fulfillment of those same prophecies as with Matthew 4:14-16 or John 8:12 which reads, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” These are the words of Jesus. He is indeed our great light. There could be no greater gift.

Followers of the light

Jesus Himself calls us to be the light of the world. This is absolutely impossible – unless we understand and accept from where the light originates. He has called us to let our light shine before others, so that they may see our good works and give glory to our Father who is in heaven. (Mat 5:16)

As you gather to celebrate with gifts and lights this season remember James’ message to the early Messianic Jewish community and be encouraged!

Israel Today Ministries feeds children and Holocaust survivors in Israel.  Thank you for your prayers and partnership!

May God, bless you,

Scott Johnson

• Scott Johnson is a Senior Middle East Analyst, who lived and worked in the Middle East, and has degrees from Moody Bible Institute and the University of London. He is also an ITM Advisory Board Member.