I’m a summer guy. I like the warmth and the light. I like to be outside at 8:30 in the evening and have the light mingling in the west over the mountains. As December unfolds, we’re reminded that the days are growing shorter, and darkness comes earlier with each passing evening. It’s fitting, then, that Advent is a season of light breaking into darkness. We celebrate the coming of Christ, the Light of the World, who stepped into our chaos to bring hope and redemption. In times like these, that message feels more important than ever.
Let’s be honest: our world feels pretty dark right now. Economic uncertainty continues to weigh heavily on families, and political polarization has left many feeling hopeless about the future. The recent election may have brought some answers, but it also exposed just how divided we are. It’s easy to get discouraged, to throw up our hands and say, “What difference can I really make?”
But as leaders, especially those of us who are Christians, we’re called to something greater. Jesus didn’t just say He was the Light of the World—He also said we are lights.
You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden.
Matthew 5:14
Our calling isn’t to curse the darkness, but to shine brightly, pointing people toward hope and truth.
So, what does that look like in practice? First, it means being leaders who bring clarity in times of confusion. There’s a lot of noise out there, with countless voices clamoring for attention and influence. It’s easy to get swept up in the latest outrage or to let fear drive our decisions. But light brings clarity. It reveals what’s true and exposes what’s false. As leaders, we have to be discerning, grounded in the Word of God, and unafraid to speak truth—even when it’s unpopular.
Second, being a light means leading with hope. Hope isn’t the same as wishful thinking. It’s not about ignoring the challenges we face or pretending everything will magically get better. True hope is rooted in the promises of God, who has been faithful throughout history and will continue to be faithful now. It’s the kind of hope that can inspire people, lift weary spirits, and motivate us to keep working for good.
Isaiah 9:2 offers a promise that still rings true:
The people who walk in darkness will see a great light. For those who live in a land of deep darkness, a light will shine.
We live in a world that desperately needs that light, and it’s up to us to reflect it. That means serving others selflessly, standing up for justice, and leading with compassion. It means showing grace to those who disagree with us, and loving our neighbors even when it’s difficult.
But let’s be real: being a light isn’t always easy. Sometimes it feels like the darkness is winning. The political climate is exhausting, and the needs around us are overwhelming. Yet, this Advent season, we are reminded that even the smallest light can make a difference. Jesus entered a world full of brokenness, and He calls us to do the same—to engage, to love, and to lead.
As we prepare for Christmas, I want to challenge you to think about where you can shine your light. Maybe it’s in your workplace, where a word of encouragement could lift someone’s spirits. Maybe it’s in your family, where a commitment to prayer and patience could bring healing. Or maybe it’s in your community, where standing up for what’s right could inspire others to do the same.
We need leaders who are willing to shine, even when it’s hard. Leaders who will bring clarity, hope, and a vision for a better future. So this Advent season, let’s commit to being those leaders. Let’s ground ourselves in God’s truth, find our strength in His promises, and lead with the confidence that comes from knowing our light is never wasted.
Jesus came as the Light of the World. Now it’s our turn to reflect that light, and to lead with purpose and hope. Let’s make a difference this season—one act of leadership, one act of love, one spark of light at a time.
Let’s be bold!
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