Light Over Darkness

The Jewish festival of Hanukkah is also known as the Festival of Lights, and it conveys a message of the victory of light over darkness. This year, Jews around the world will begin their celebration of this eight-day festival at sunset on December 4. But last year, Hanukkah was touched by darkness when two gunmen targeted a “Chanukah by the Sea” event at Bondi Beach in Sydney, Australia.

On that sad Hanukkah day of December 14, 2025, that beach—synonymous with thoughts of pristine white sand and beautiful coastal views—became the site of a horrific murder spree that resulted in the deaths of 15 innocent victims and injuries to many more. A week later, on December 21, Australia observed a Day of Reflection with candle-lighting and a nationwide minute of silence.

Resilience and Strength

The “Light Over Darkness” event held a week after the Bondi Beach attack was a symbolic response combining Hanukkah’s message of resilience with national unity—honoring victims, affirming community strength, and rejecting hate. The aspect of light against darkness was an enduring theme throughout the event. On a similar note, the UK’s then-Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer made a brief but poignant statement: “Light will always win over darkness” (“UK events remember Bondi victims as police step up security in Jewish communities,” BBC, December 14, 2025).

The spiritual sentiment of light over darkness is a powerful theme that God highlights in His word. We can be strong, positive lights who overcome the darkness if we follow our Creator’s example as the ultimate light of the world. In a world often overshadowed by negativity, division, and uncertainty, the call for followers of Christ to be “lights” is more relevant than ever. Jesus describes His followers as “the light of the world” (Matthew 5:14). The Apostle Paul also refers to us as lights in this world, saying, “For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light” (Ephesians 5:8).

We are admonished to be children of light and to walk in light because we need to come out from the path of darkness into the light of God’s truth! We can all struggle with falling into darkness and acting in a way that is contrary to God’s way of life. Even the archangel Lucifer, who became Satan, was originally created to bring light. The name Lucifer comes from a Latin word meaning “light bringer” or “morning star,” and 2 Corinthians 11:14 tells us that “Satan transforms himself into an angel of light” to spread darkness and deception instead of God’s glory. Satan can twist into darkness those aspects of life that God intends to bring us love, joy, and peace.

So, how can we truly live as bright, shining lights rather than follow Satan’s influence in this dark world? Here are three ways we can choose light over darkness.

Reflecting Christ’s Character

One way to practice being a light is to reflect Christ’s character in our everyday life. This means embodying qualities such as love, humility, patience, and forgiveness. When we respond to challenges and trials with peace instead of anger or choose kindness over harshness, we demonstrate a different way of living—one that points others toward God.

Jesus Christ calls us to be shining lights, living according to God’s expectations rather than according to the carnal expectations of an ungodly world: “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:16).

It is often said that actions speak louder than words, and lives marked by integrity and compassion shine as beacons in a world that desperately needs hope. As we work through potential conflict with our family, friends, and co-workers when we don’t see “eye to eye,” we have the opportunity to exemplify the uncommon attitude of longsuffering. Indeed, whatever difficulties we encounter, reflecting Christ’s character through our peaceful approach allows us to shine our lights over darkness.

Serving Others Selflessly

Light is most visible when it illuminates formerly dark places, and one of the most positive ways Christians can illuminate this dark world is through acts of service. Whether by comforting those who may be lonely or by volunteering time and resources to serve those around us, service reflects the heart of Christ. Many of us may at times feel isolated, and Satan can use these vulnerable times to discourage us and cause us to focus on ourselves in darkness—rather than being lights looking for opportunities to serve.

When we serve without expecting recognition or reward, we show that love is not just a feeling but an action. Ultimately, serving others selflessly is not about us—it is about honoring God through our service. Our goal is to glorify God by meeting each other’s needs and showing compassion. These acts of kindness not only transform us, but also inspire and encourage others to seek God’s light.

Living with Integrity and Joy

Finally, Christians can shine by living with integrity and joy. Having integrity means being honest, trustworthy, and consistent in our actions, even when no one is watching. And our joy is a powerful testimony in times of hardship. When we maintain hope and peace despite challenges, we reveal the sustaining power of shining our lights in honesty and joy. Such authentic living draws people in, offering a glimpse of stability and purpose in an uncertain world.

One challenge of living as lights in this dark world is that it is hard to maintain a joyous and positive outlook. But Scripture instructs, “Do all things without complaining and disputing, that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world” (Philippians 2:14–15). We are called to be lights that reflect our joy to others and contribute to more positive environments in our local communities. Even just giving a smile to someone is part of fulfilling our roles as children of light, sharing joy with others!

Being a light is not about our own brilliance—it’s about reflecting the glory of Christ, the true Light of the world. In a world filled with darkness, confusion, and brokenness, God calls us to shine with His love, His truth, and His mind. Our light is seen in the way we live, the way we serve, and the way we speak hope into the lives of others.

Let us stay connected to God the Father and Jesus Christ in our actions, attitudes, and thoughts. Apart from Them, our light will fade, but with Them we can illuminate the path for those who are searching, hurting, and longing for peace. As last December’s terrorist attack in Sydney reminds us, we need to go out and shine—not for our glory, but for our Creator’s. Let your life be a light over darkness that points others to Christ, the Light that never goes out!