PLATO said, “The radiant light is the shadow of God.” But David exclaims, “Thou clothest Thyself with light as with a garment.” The declaration of the New Testament is, “God is light, and in Him is no darkness at all.” It was His own brightness that, at His own command, illumined the darkness of that primeval earth. And the miracle of that first day of earth’s recall from chaos and gloom pictures His present grace to the sin-darkened souls of men. For we are told that “God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ Jesus.” He is the vessel to display that light throughout all the ages to come. Of the heavenly city it is written, “The glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof.” It was from His face that the light shone of old, and He is still the light of the world.
“God in mercy sent His Son
To a world by sin undone;
Jesus Christ was crucified―
‘Twas for sinners Jesus died.
Sin and death no more shall reign,
Jesus died and lives again!
In the glory’s highest height—
See Him, God’s supreme delight.
All who in His name believe,
Everlasting life receive;
Lord of all is Jesus now,
Ev’ry knee to Him must bow.
Oh, the glory of the grace
Shining in the Saviour’s face.
Telling sinners from above,
‘God is light,’ and ‘God is love.’”
—H. K. Burlingham.