From the beginning, God gave us light by creating the sun, the moon, and the stars, along with the rotating and tilting of the earth, which also brought the dark of night. In the far distant past, God created the heavens and the earth, and though the earth was formless and covered in darkness, He declared, "Let there be light," and there was light, encompassing the sun, the moon, the stars, daybreak, and daylight in every sense. There is no darkness in God at all, for He is light, and in Him resides no shadow of night. Despair, depression, and hopelessness often seem worse in the dark, while hope arises with the light of a new day, promising better times ahead. The night, meant for rest after the day's labor, often becomes a cloak for sin, as many believe their deeds are hidden from sight. History reveals the chaos that ensues when light fails, as seen in the New York City blackout of 1977, where darkness over a great city led to widespread looting, vandalism, and arson, demonstrating the disorder that can emerge when light is absent. Once named Lucifer, meaning morning star or light-bearer, satan became the adversary, associated with sin and darkness due to his pride. The mission to turn people from darkness to light involves moving from under the power of satan and sin to forgiveness and inheritance, a transformation that requires God to open our eyes, leading us to seek forgiveness and be sanctified by faith into the light of day. God is the source of truth and light, while satan, the father of lies, embodies darkness. If hatred for a brother exists, one remains in darkness, which is sin, whereas love for the brethren is walking in the light, reflecting the immense love Christ has for us. Satan deceives by transforming himself into an angel of light, dressing up sin with artificial brightness to present it as good, though in truth, it remains the opposite of God. The dark of night hides sin, or so we think, but sins eventually come to the light of day, and nothing is hidden from God. We are called to reflect God's light within us by clearly seeing and obeying His laws, avoiding evil, and walking in the light without lusting after darkness. In the prophecy of the New Jerusalem, after the final judgment, the glory of God will illuminate the city, and the Lamb will be its light, suggesting a future where light prevails without the need for the sun in that holy place. The earth itself may shine with His glory, indicating a divine illumination beyond our current understanding.

During the Days of Unleavened Bread, we are reminded to come out of sin, to emerge from darkness into light, as the Israelites did when they left Egypt on that significant night. This journey reflects a profound conflict between darkness and light, symbolizing the struggle between sin and righteousness, separation and fellowship. God is light, embodying utter holiness with no darkness within Him at all. To walk in fellowship with Him, we must walk in the light, living according to His commandments, for walking in darkness means living in sin and being separated from Him. The contrast between light and darkness is evident in the two opposing kingdoms: the Kingdom of God, representing light and holiness, and the kingdom of satan, representing darkness and evil. All are born into this world under the dominion of darkness, inclined to think and live in ways opposed to God unless guided by His Holy Spirit. Walking in darkness signifies a life where thoughts of God as light are rare or misunderstood, reflecting an outlook contrary to His will and holiness. We cannot mix light and darkness, for they are fundamentally incompatible. To claim fellowship with God while walking in darkness is a lie, as it contradicts His nature. True fellowship with Him requires us to walk in the light continuously, ensuring that the blood of Jesus Christ, His Son, cleanses us from all sin. As we strive during the Days of Unleavened Bread, we seek God's help to rid our lives of sin, to transition fully from darkness into light, acknowledging that without His guidance, we remain in the grip of a world dominated by darkness.

God is the only trustworthy source of true everlasting light, providing humanity with extraordinary knowledge, comforts, and necessities through its purity and variety. Light represents truth and goodness, enabling the human mind to think beyond animal instincts, invent, and build remarkable things. Yet, when humanity worships light itself rather than the Creator, they fall into spiritual darkness, which symbolizes error and evil, the works of satan. Biblically, light is the great antithesis and conqueror of darkness, embodying rulership and awe, as seen in the creation of the two great lights to govern day and night. The absence of light evokes terror, as depicted in visions of darkened skies and bodies full of darkness when eyesight fails. Judas' betrayal of Jesus Christ, marked by the phrase "And it was night," exemplifies the descent into darkness, leaving the light of Christ's presence for a world of lies and deception under the conduct of the prince of darkness. Light, in its natural form, is essential for life, health, and joy, rejoicing the heart and sustaining physical and spiritual well-being, while darkness is synonymous with death, as seen in the plague of darkness upon Egypt. Artificial light, though a substitute for natural light, often illuminates the night, a time favored by satan for crime and immorality, representing a false light that focuses on the pleasure of sin. In contrast, true light must shine to reveal right and truth, guiding both physical and spiritual paths. Mentally, morally, and spiritually, light symbolizes knowledge, wisdom, purity, and truth, illuminating the mind through God's Spirit, while darkness represents ignorance, sin, and wretchedness. God, defined as light itself, dwells in unapproachable brilliance, embodying holiness and moral perfection. Jesus Christ, as the light of the world, brings divine illumination, manifesting God's glory and offering salvation, ensuring that those who follow Him will not walk in darkness but have the light of life. In the ultimate vision of the New Jerusalem, the glory of God and the Lamb provide everlasting light, eliminating the need for sun or moon, and obliterating all traces of darkness. There, in eternal glory, the redeemed will walk in the permanent presence of God's light, surrounded by truth, beauty, holiness, and joy, reigning with Christ forever in everlasting light.

God is the only true source of everlasting light, illuminating both the physical and spiritual realms with extraordinary knowledge and comfort. Light, representing truth and goodness, enables humanity to rise above mere instinct, fostering invention and progress through the divine illumination bestowed by God. In contrast, darkness symbolizes error and evil, often associated with the oppressive troubles and spiritual ignorance that shroud the world today. Throughout biblical imagery, light stands as the great conqueror of darkness, embodying rulership and awe, as seen in the creation account where God established the greater and lesser lights to govern day and night. The absence of light evokes terror, as depicted in visions of darkened realms and bodies full of darkness when spiritual sight fails. Conversely, a life aligned with God is filled with light, while a godless existence is steeped in darkness, exemplified by Judas' betrayal of Jesus Christ under the cover of night, marking both physical and spiritual obscurity. Light, as the initial step in creation, is essential for life, joy, and all blessings, while darkness equates to death and despair, as seen in the severe plague of darkness upon Egypt. God, defined as light itself, radiates holiness and moral perfection, dwelling in unapproachable splendor that transforms both the earthly and spiritual spheres. This light, symbolizing divine glory, permeates everyday life, contrasting sharply with darkness, the universal condition of sin and death. Jesus Christ, as the personification of divine illumination, declared Himself the light of the world, bringing understanding, truth, and wisdom to humanity. His presence counters the darkness of sin, which separates individuals from spiritual light. At His crucifixion, darkness fell at midday, underscoring the profound impact of sin, yet His light persists as a symbol of salvation and new life. Those who follow Him are called out of darkness into His marvelous light, shining as true witnesses in a world often veiled in deceit. In the ultimate vision of the New Jerusalem, the glory of God provides everlasting light, eliminating the need for sun or moon. This radiant presence of God and the Lamb obliterates all traces of darkness, ensuring eternal life, holiness, and joy for the redeemed. There will be no night, physical or spiritual, as all walk continually in the light of the Lord, revealing and glorifying God forever.

In the beginning, God commanded, "Let there be light," a declaration that carries profound significance beyond the creation of the physical world. This ancient command, translated into Greek with a future tense verb, is rendered as "Light will shine out of darkness" or "Light shall shine out of darkness" in various translations. It signifies not only the illumination of the vast deep but also God's ongoing spiritual work with humanity, shining light into our minds to reveal the deep things of Him. Without this divine revelation, our understanding of His purposes and plans would remain obscured, limited to the evidence of His nature and power in the physical creation. The imagery of light emanating from darkness, as described with the Greek preposition "ek" meaning "out of," suggests a separation or emergence from within the darkness itself. This light, created by God, is distinct from Him, shining forth from the chaos and void, transforming it with the boundless power of His Spirit. It is a discrete, darkness-destroying light, burning in a place contrary to Him, yet it remains His creation, working to accomplish His purposes. Christ instructs His disciples to let their light shine before men, emphasizing that this light, though engendered and sustained by Him, is theirs—separate from Him yet empowered by the same inexhaustible source. Like individual lightbulbs on a shared circuit, each believer shines as a distinct entity, transformed by His light, not merely reflecting it but embodying it within freestanding beings. Though we walk in the same light as Christ, dwelling with the Father in ineffable brilliance, we remain separate from Him, yet in character and purpose, we grow to be like Him. The darkness could not overcome the light sent out from Jesus Christ, who anciently confronted the chaos of the void, transforming it into an organized and fruitful creation to facilitate His plans. This transformative light continues to spread, with the promise of billions of points of light, each one a separate being distinguished from the Father of lights, yet indistinguishable from Him in character and purpose.

Light reveals the truth and exposes the true character of things, shining forth to uncover what is hidden. It is through light that God's presence is made known, producing fruit in the lives of those who walk in it. As believers, we are called to be 'light in the Lord,' transformed from our former state of darkness into bearers of this divine illumination. This light manifests in the mind through knowledge and understanding, particularly a unique reverence for God that sets the Christian apart from those in darkness. Darkness, in contrast, is marked by ignorance and a lack of spiritual insight. Those in darkness cannot grasp the spiritual truths of God's Word, viewing them as foolishness due to their blinded state, influenced by the god of this world. Their hearts and minds remain obscured, unable to perceive the light of truth. As 'light in the Lord,' we refuse to fellowship with darkness, exposing its unfruitful works through the very way we live. The fruit of light is evident in all goodness, righteousness, and truth, distinguishing the Christian life from the artificial and deceptive works of darkness. Unlike the false, manufactured appearances of those in darkness, the Christian's life is like a true tree, bearing genuine fruit that grows naturally from within through steady development. During the Millennium, the influence of darkness will be bound, yet human nature will still incline toward it. As bearers of light, we will play a vital role in guiding others out of darkness on a global scale, helping to restore balance and truth. Our liberty as children of light is not merely external but a deliverance from the darkening of the mind, enabled by the truth that sets us free. This light, sourced from God and Jesus Christ, compels us to shine through good works, reflecting Their goodness to all.

Just as lighthouses pierce through the obscurity of night, God's light shines through the darkness of this world, a world under satan's influence. Jesus Christ came to warn us of danger, to save us, and to forgive us. Because of the darkness, there is nothing more precious than light. He embodies light Himself, separating light from darkness. To be in darkness is a fearful thing, offering no direction or hope, only confusion. Yet, when we take on Jesus Christ, we abide in the light, finding guidance and comfort. Jesus declared, "I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life." He taught that light penetrates the darkness of satan's world, offering hope and life, while darkness signifies death. As Jesus Christ is the light of the world, we too are called to be lights, shining through Him as our source. Our light, though not as bright as His, is meant to shine forth before men, acting as beacons in a tired and confused world. There is a striking parallel between the beacon of a lighthouse and the light of God, guiding us through the seas of this world, providing direction, comfort, and hope. We are to be lighthouses, built on a solid foundation like Jesus Christ, our rock. This foundation ensures we stand tall against harsh conditions, enabling us to shine consistently. When we live as God instructs, displaying the character of Jesus Christ through love, joy, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control, we emit His light. Light is precious, and we are to imitate God, who set the perfect example as a Lighthouse through His goodness, mercy, righteousness, and truth. Without light, a lighthouse is just a building with no value; similarly, God expects each of us to be a beacon of light into the world by being the best role models we can be. Our values and character serve as a beacon, glorifying God through our actions, words, and attitudes, shining in both grand and simple ways to support and guide others in darkness.

God is light, and He created light to illuminate the understanding of His way of life. Most of mankind dwells in almost total darkness, unaware of God's laws, the Sabbath, or the holy days, living amidst war, murder, lying, stealing, adultery, divorce, and child abuse. In contrast, God's called-out, baptized people live in a mixture of light and darkness, drawn to the allure and excitement of darkness due to human nature and its desires. Darkness surrounds us constantly, and satan revels in it, desiring all mankind to live in total darkness as he does. There is a third way of life, one of total light, lived only by the Man Jesus Christ, who embodied perfect light through adherence to God's laws and the Ten Commandments. Our responsibility is to teach ourselves to live in the light, a challenging task against three enemies: our own human nature, the dark and evil world around us, and satan's deceptive influence, which leads us to justify partial darkness. God provides the Holy Spirit at baptism to help us see and understand the light, guiding us through His Word to act in accordance with it. Mankind often hates light, yet there are no laws against the virtues of light—love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control—while numerous laws exist against the deeds of darkness. God calls us out of total darkness into His light, urging us to crucify our human nature and its dark passions. Though we fall short, loving the mystery and excitement of darkness, we must strive to live in the light continually, not just part of the time, walking worthy of our calling by our conduct. Living in darkness means we are already dead, merely awaiting the end, as much of the world is today. We are called to be light to this world, training ourselves to walk as children of light, a process that does not come naturally. Practices associated with darkness, such as pagan celebrations and destructive behaviors like drugs, alcoholism, lying, adultery, stealing, and murder, bring hurt and misery, while light brings life, joy, peace, well-being, happiness, and comfort. God warns that living in darkness prevents us from inheriting the Kingdom of God. Even as His people, we struggle with problems because we live in darkness part of the time, blinded by it. Our task is to overcome, repent, and make changes, expanding the light in our lives while diminishing the darkness. Christ is the light, and without Him, there would be only darkness where the world resides. We must train ourselves to live in the light, reflecting it through our actions every day.