John 3:19-21 (NRSV)
Read John 3:19-21 on biblegateway.com
Verse 19And this is the judgment, that the light has come into the world, and people loved darkness rather than light because their deeds were evil. Verse 20For all who do evil hate the light and do not come to the light, so that their deeds may not be exposed. Verse 21But those who do what is true come to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that their deeds have been done in God."
Devotion
It seems strange that people would love darkness rather than light. Yet, as with thieves and their companions, we think it is easier to keep our evil deeds a secret. Or, at least we think we can hide them. But the light of God in Christ has shined in the darkness, and in so doing has exposed our evil for what it is. That sun of righteousness has burned the earth clean. God did not come in Jesus Christ for the express purpose of such judgment, but that has been a salutary effect in the dawning of this new day.
Prayer
O sun of righteousness, arise, and beam your bright light into the darkness of our lives. Cleanse our hearts from sin and evil, clothe us in the white light of your presence, and send us forth into places of darkness as emissaries of your light. Amen.