NATIVITY By Mike Herron

5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has

not overcome it.’

The light of Christ’s life, truth, love and wisdom are superior to the darkness (skotia), the realm of sin, evil and the hostile powers of the spiritual and natural world. The potential for sin and darkness was present when God created the order of the universe. A class of angelic beings chose the dark path of rebellion and set in motion the events that made our salvation necessary. The darkness has made every effort to overcome (katelaben) the light: ‘to pounce upon something…so it won’t assert itself,’ 4 but has remained unsuccessful. ‘A confrontation between light and darkness has taken place once and for all, light has emerged victorious.’ 5 Now begins the earthly story of Jesus who has forever destroyed the power of darkness by His life and light.