FATHER OF LIGHTS

“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the FATHER of LIGHTS…” – James 1:17a

To glorify the God of Impact is to revere the FATHER of LIGHTS: “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the FATHER of LIGHTS, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning” (Jam.1:17). Our meditation passage highlights God's unchanging nature and generosity, discusses the blessedness of persevering through trials, the origin of temptation, and God’s perfect nature as the Source of all good and perfect gifts, not temptation. His Perfect Character contrasts with human temptation, even though He can make every temptation to work together for our good, and for His Glory! 

Boxing Day is also known as St. Stephen's Day – Stephen being the first Christian martyr, who was stoned to death (Acts 7:58-60). He exemplified selflessness, charity and care for the poor. This Day’s spiritual significance lies in its deep roots in Christian charity, symbolizing selfless giving, generosity, and extending Christ’s message of hope and love beyond Christmas Day, by caring for and showing kindness to the needy and vulnerable. Historically, churches collected donations in alms boxes during Advent, which were opened and distributed to the poor on St. Stephen’s Day, embodying the Christian call to help the less fortunate. It’s therefore apt to remember the Ultimate Source and Supplier of “every good gift and every perfect gift” (v.17).

God created the heavenly lights – the Sun, moon, and stars (Gen.1:14-18). He is the Father who provides light in, for, and through us – His shining lights (Mt.5:14-16; Phil.2:15). Even though, at times, shadows may fall on us; God is never in shadow! Unlike the sun, our Father-God has no variation or shadow due to change. The sun has its daily deviation; rising at a different time each day, and setting at various hours in the course of the year. It is sometimes clouded or eclipsed. The sun shifts, mountains melt, oceans recede, the stars sometimes wither from the vault of night; but God remains the same – Immortal and Immutable! The Father of Lights does not change with circumstances, like shifting shadows.

There is no iota of darkness in God. He never changes in His power, justice, knowledge or decree. His Love is unchangeable and without variation. Therefore, we should not be deceived or allow sin to “conceive” within us (vv.14-15). Rather, we should trust in Him who “brought us forth by the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of His creatures” (vv.16-18). God's children are called to demonstrate His righteousness and imitate Him, trusting that He who sustained all His luminaries throughout all generations will sustain us through all temptations and trials (vv.19-20).

To glorify the “Father of lights,” believers are encouraged to endure trials with steadfastness; take responsibility for temptation, acknowledging that temptation comes from personal desires; and worship the Giver of the Greatest Gift – Jesus (2 Cor.9:15).