Science, technology, culture, and education is what unesco wants to highlight on the International Day of Light on 16 May. But light is much more than a scientific quantity.
Imagine a world without light. No sunrise, no flickering candlelight, no sparkle in the eyes of a loved one. Only darkness and the disorientation, lifelessness, and coldness that come with it. We take light for granted to the extent that we even forget how essential it is. Without light there is no vision, no growth, and no life. For us humans, light is not only important for biological processes, but also for our emotional well-being.
Born in the light, sheltered in the light
“Then God said, ‘Let there be light’; and there was light” (Genesis 1: 3). This is not only how the biblical story of creation begins, but also how we understand order and life in general. Light was the first thing that God created through His word, even before plants, animals, or human beings. It is essential for everything that lives. Where there is light, life can emerge, grow, and develop. Without light there is no orientation, no warmth, no development.
This truth is already evident in the natural sciences. Researchers have observed that when a sperm cell fertilises a human egg, a tiny spark of light can occur. This is a measurable, natural phenomenon, but also a powerful symbol: light is emitted at the origin of human life. The first impulse that makes everything else possible is a tiny spark light.
And in the end? The process of dying has often been described as going towards the light. Even if such experiences cannot be proven, this image remains: the final journey does not lead to nowhere, but to the light. For Christians, it is an expression of hope for a life close to God, for resurrection and eternal life.
So light is more than just energy. It is a sign of the Creator’s presence in the lives of His created beings.
The power of light – the powerlessness of darkness
Darkness seems to be the natural antagonist of light. Naturally as well as spiritually. Strictly speaking, however, darkness has no substance of its own. Darkness is essentially the absence of light. Without its own power, it only arises where there is a lack of light. And that is precisely what makes light so effective: a single beam is enough to break through the darkness.
It is the same in spiritual terms. In the Bible, darkness is associated with guilt, fear, disorientation, and distance from God. Light, on the other hand, stands for truth, purity, comfort, and closeness to God. Those who live in the light live with clarity, trust, and hope.
Where God’s light shines, there is no room for darkness. And even if darkness looms—be it because of doubt, suffering, malice, or guilt—the promise remains: the superiority of evil loses all its power when human beings do not hide their light, but let it shine. Even a small light of faith can give support, offer guidance, and give courage. Not by itself, but because it is the presence of God.
Where does the light come from?
For Christians, one thing is clear: Jesus Christ has brought the divine light into the world. “I am the light of the world.He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life” (John 8: 12).
With Him, God stepped into the darkness of this world: into a world full of injustice, suffering, guilt, and death. And He did not distance Himself from human beings, but devoted Himself to them by healing, blessing, and forgiving. The light of Christ is not a glaring spotlight that condemns, but a gentle yet brilliant light that points the way and warms people’s hearts.
Spreading the light
This light is not meant to be looked at, but to be shared and spread. Jesus Himself said, “You are the light of the world” (Matthew 5: 14). This is not just meant as encouragement, but as a mission.
Reaching out and sharing this light means giving others encouragement, comfort, and orientation. It means not allowing yourself to be infected by darkness, but consciously deciding in favour of all that is good and loving. This can happen in small ways: by listening, forgiving, sharing, and praying. And it happens on a large scale when people stand up for justice, peace, and humanity.
The church is like a network of lights—connected by faith, nourished by the word of God, and strengthened by the sacraments. Together, Christians can bring light into a world that so desperately needs it.