Lent Reflections 2025

Even a small candle can make an impact in a dark room. The light from the candle can dispel the darkness, guide our steps, and provide peace. We don’t need a massive spotlight to make a difference; a small candle can light up an entire room.

Matthew 5:14-16 says, “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead, they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” The broader context of these verses is the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7), the largest collection of Jesus’ teachings, which illustrates a life that reflects the values of God’s Kingdom. Matthew 5:14-16 situates the instructions found in the Sermon within the identity and calling of Jesus’ followers. Our identity as light signifies our responsibility to influence our surroundings. We should actively demonstrate God’s truth to the dark and broken world. The passage reminds us of the importance of good deeds, as they enable Jesus’ followers to positively impact their community.

As Christians, we are probably a minority in our society. This is a reality in many Asian and post-Christian Western contexts. As a minority group, we may face discrimination and be viewed as unimportant. However, our small numbers should not prevent us from being witnesses who bring light to dispel the darkness. Therefore, we must never give up on doing good to those around us. The results may not be apparent in the short-term. However, they are like a seed that once planted, will bear fruit in due time. Or at least, by observing our good behaviour, our family members, neighbours, and colleagues can develop a good impression of Christianity and glorify God. Remember, we only need a candle to illuminate the entire room. So, be the light that lights up the world.

I would like to conclude this devotion with this prayer, and I hope it can be your prayer too:

Lord, I am truly grateful for the calling to be your light. I pray that your Spirit will continually empower me so that my actions and words reflect the values of your Kingdom. There are times when it is challenging to be your shining witness. Always remind me, Lord, that I have received the blessing of your salvation and that you have sent me to show the world that there is always hope in you. May your name be glorified through my life. In Christ, I pray. Amen.

Herry Susanto Indonesia Herry is a faculty member at Tyrannus Bible Seminary in Indonesia. He is also a current Langham Scholar, pursuing his PhD at Otago University.

In a world constantly illuminated by lights of all kinds, we overlook their true significance because we take it for granted. I grew up in a village without electricity. The world would slip into complete darkness whenever I ventured out at night. There were nights when I couldn’t see anything in front of me—not people, not animals, not even the path ahead. I walked by instinct and made noise (like humming a song) to avoid colliding with others in the darkness. Sometimes, I carried candles, but the wind blew them out before we reached our destination. I took a kerosene fire torch at other times, but their feeble glow was insufficient. In those moments, the absence of light became painfully obvious. Its value was undeniable. Light, in its smallest form, even from fireflies, became a lifeline, guiding us through the darkness. It was a constant reminder of how much we need light to find our way through the darkness — both physical and spiritual. 

It was into such a world of deep spiritual darkness that the Lord Jesus Christ—the eternal Light of the Father—entered, bringing with Him the fullness of love, hope, grace, and truth. Just as I learned to recognise the value of light in the physical darkness of my childhood, I have known the depths of spiritual darkness and brokenness in my life.  I experienced an amazing transformation in the presence of the light of Christ, as it illuminated my life with grace and truth (John 1: 14). His light does not merely brighten our surroundings but transforms us, revealing the reality of this world and grace of God in ways that we could never imagine on our own. In a world clouded by sin, evil, confusion, and despair, Christ’s light shines with an eternal brilliance that overcomes the darkness, revealing the reality of life and offering us the hope, love, and forgiveness we so desperately need. Just as the darkness cannot overcome the light, the presence of Christ reveals the reality of our nature, exposes us to the depths of God’s love, and invites us to walk in His glorious light.

During this Lenten season, as we reflect on our spiritual journey, let us take heart in the powerful assurance of John 1:5: “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” This promise offers us profound hope amidst the darkness of sin, suffering, and the brokenness in our world. Let us reflect in the presence of this ultimate light with repentance and acknowledge the darkness within our hearts—our failings, struggles, and moments of despair. Let it remind us that the light and the love of Christ is unshakable, unwavering, and victorious. No matter how heavy the darkness may seem, it cannot extinguish the brilliance of His love for us. Let this journey through Lent towards Easter remind us that the light of Christ shines in our lives and promises a future where darkness will be no more. Therefore, with this hope, let us persevere in faith, trusting in God’s ultimate victory beyond the grave.

Dear Lord, In the face of whatever threatens to overcome us—whether in our personal lives or in the world around us—we cling to the truth that Your light has already triumphed. This truth is our anchor and strength as we move through this season. May the light of Your resurrection shine in its fullness over our lives and fill our hearts with joy and hope. Amen.

• How can the promise that “the darkness has not overcome it” give you hope in the face of personal suffering or the brokenness of the world around you? How might this truth help you persevere during difficult times?
• During this Lenten season, how can you allow Christ’s light to reveal areas of darkness within your own heart? How might repentance and reflection on God’s love and grace bring you closer to Him?

A.N. Lal Senanayake, PhD (Eds) Sri Lanka Lal is the president of Lanka Bible College and Seminary in Sri Lanka.

It was a freezing winter night when I found myself on horseback, searching for a distant ger (yurt). The night was so dark that I could barely see the path ahead. My horse moved steadily, but the silence around me felt vast and endless. Was I lost? Was I going in the right direction? Then, in the distance, I heard the bark of a dog—a sign of human presence. Soon after, I saw the faint glow of fire through a ger’s smoke hole. Though I had been uncertain just moments before, that small light gave me confidence. I knew I had found warmth, safety, and welcome.

Photo: A Mongolian steppe with gers (yurts) in the background

Lent often feels like this kind of journey through darkness. We walk forward in faith, sometimes unsure, sometimes feeling lost. But just as the firelight guides a traveler home, God’s light is always present, calling us back to Him.

This is the promise of Isaiah 9:2: “The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned”. Even when we feel distant from God or uncertain about our path, His light is never far away.

For Mongolian nomads, keeping the fire burning is essential. It is not just for warmth—it means life, hospitality, and survival. Fire is never kept only for oneself. A weary traveller is always welcomed inside, given warmth and food. Paul reminds us in Ephesians 5:8-9:“For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light.” This verse speaks to our daily calling. We are not just meant to seek God’s light—we are called to be the light for others. This doesn’t always mean grand gestures. It might mean offering a kind word, showing patience, or simply being present for someone who feels lost. St. John of the Cross beautifully said: “The Lord measures out perfection neither by the multitude nor the magnitude of our deeds, but by the manner in which we perform them.” Even small acts, done with love, can be a beacon of light in someone’s life.

Mongolian herders know the value of patience. Winters are long and harsh, but they trust that spring will come. They do not rush the seasons; they prepare for them. Lent teaches us this same lesson. Sometimes, we long for quick answers or immediate change, but God’s work in us takes time. Just as the frozen ground does not turn green overnight, our hearts also need time to be renewed. Maybe you are waiting for an answer to prayer. Maybe you are struggling with patience for yourself—wishing you could grow spiritually faster. But God invites us to trust in His timing.

As we continue our Lenten journey, let’s ask ourselves:

• Where do I need Christ’s light the most right now?
• How can I reflect His light to others?
• Am I practicing patience—with myself, with others, and with God?

Let us pray:

Lord, in the moments when I feel lost, remind me that Your light is near. Help me to trust in Your timing and to be a reflection of Your love to those around me. May my heart, like the steppe in spring, awaken to new life in You. Amen.

The Lenten journey is a path toward light. Just as the steppe awakens with the warmth of spring, so too can our hearts be renewed by Christ’s presence. The light is already shining—let us walk toward it with faith, patience, and love.

Luvsangombo (Luya) Gantumur  Mongolia Luya is the Principal of Union Bible Theological College (UBTC) in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia.

“When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, ‘I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life’” (John 8:12). These words, spoken with profound impact, illuminate the path to a life filled with light and hope.

It’s fascinating how, according to scientific understanding, the Sun is considered the primary source of life on Earth. This scientific fact resonates with the spiritual truth that Jesus is the light of the world. Both science and faith point to the interconnectedness of all life, sustained by light and energy. However, remember that we are discussing the creator of light and the Sun.

Perhaps for this reason, sun worship was prevalent in the ancient world, with numerous civilisations across various regions venerating the sun as a deity. Even though the sun is no longer worshipped today, its significance is reflected in many cultures, including Myanmar. The Lighting Festival (Thadingyut Festival) in Myanmar is a three-day celebration that occurs on the full moon of the Burmese lunar month of Thadingyut. It is the second most popular festival in Myanmar.

The context in which Jesus made this statement, one of the great seven “I AM”s, is fascinating. Most commentators believe that the background of this chapter (John 8) and Jesus’ statement occurred during or shortly after the Feast of Tabernacles. The imagery of water and light is significant within the Jewish celebration of that feast. A brilliant candelabra is lit at the beginning of the feast, and water is poured from a golden pitcher. The Jews delighted in their observance and rejoiced in their symbolism. The reference to water in chapter 7 points us back to the rock in the wilderness, whereas the light refers to the pillar of fire in the wilderness. 

Jesus’ declaration, “I am the light of the world,” is astonishing. The “I AM” is intentional and embodies the distinct style of divinity employed earlier in John 6:35. Scholars focus on the ceremonies involving lights during the Feast of Tabernacles and suggest that Jesus was the fulfilment of the symbolism they represented.  Philo of Alexandria (a Jewish philosopher) considers the time of the Feast of Tabernacles significant because on the festival’s first day, the moon succeeded the sun, resulting in no dark interlude. The metaphor of light for the 24 hours of the day is powerful. If the feast had concluded, Jesus’ assertion of being the Light of the World would have stood out even more impressively in the absence of the illumination of the festival lights. It was and is important to us as Christians that Christ has fulfilled all the spiritual truths to which the feasts pointed towards. 

The true light of the world, Jesus Christ, has come, to whom the wilderness imagery points. He is the light (1 John 1:5), and his followers are the “light of the world” (Matthew 5:14). Just as the moon reflects the light of the sun, so too are believers to shine the light of Christ into the world, for the light of Christ is life (cf. Philippians 2:15). Christ alone is the source of the world’s illumination. We do not possess the light ourselves, other than reflecting the light from Christ. To have the light is to have Jesus. Only those who follow Him are delivered from darkness. They do not walk in the darkness of this world, for they possess the light of life.

Lord Jesus, thank you for your precious gift of salvation and for shining your light upon my path. Guide me in reflecting your light into the darkness of this world. The darkness of Satan surrounding me can sometimes feel overwhelming, yet my heart rejoices, knowing that we possess the uninterrupted light of life in you. Keep me vigilant and help me persevere until you consummate our salvation on the glorious day of your return. Amen.

Rev. Ronald Lal Dinsuah, Th.D Myanmar Ronald is the Principal of Myanmar Evangelical Graduate School of Theology (MEGST) where he is also a Lecturer in the Old Testament. He received his PhD with the support of Langham Partnership.

The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned. (Isaiah 9:2)

I grew up in a small village in Bangladesh. Even just a few years ago, there was no electricity in our village. We would use kerosene to light our lamps at night. During my childhood, many people could not buy kerosene due to poverty, which meant they had to live in darkness at night. I grew up in such a situation. Whenever we had no kerosene, we would go to sleep early and wake up very early the next morning to wait for the sun to rise. I used to be afraid at night as the nights seemed very long. At that time, I keenly felt the need for light in my life. Have you ever felt a need for light? When and why was that? 

This Lent season, I want to reflect on the word light in Isaiah 9:2. Light is a sign of hope and a source of life. Verse 1 gives us a little bit of the background. The lands of Zebulun and Naphtali were experiencing suffering and hopelessness, which was described as gloom. A powerful Assyrian king, Tiglath-Pileser, had attacked the northern kingdom of Israel and seized these two areas. It was a judgment from God to the people due to their disobedience and sin. The Lord withdrew Himself from them, which resulted in true darkness. To me, wherever there is no God, there is no light. Wherever there is God, there is light and hope.

God is good. He turned his face to the people to give them hope that there will be no more gloom because they will see the light. What was the good news? 

The text says that it was not a normal light but a great light. While there is debate about whether light is an particle or a wave, the light is here neither of them. The light here represents Jesus Christ, who is the light of the world, hope to the hopeless nations. Only the one, Jesus Christ claimed that He is the light of the world (John 8:12). That is why to understand the light, we must understand Jesus Christ. 

As a result of science and technology, many of us may not have to experience physical darkness, but what about spiritual darkness? A life without Jesus Christ, the light of the world, is in darkness and without hope. Indeed, there are many people in the world who are in the spiritual darkness, and without hope. What can we do for them so that they can also see Christ in their lives? What are we doing to help them to see this great light in their lives? 

Dn. Wailes Rangsa Bangladesh Wailes is the Principal of College of Christian Theology Bangladesh (CCTB).

You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. (Matthew 5:14-16)

As a child we have all had at least one incident of feeling fearful because of the darkness. Perhaps in a bedroom or cellar. In those moments, just a small flashlight brings all the solace that a child longs for.

Sin has made the world like a dark bedroom in an attic, or a dark, damp and smelly cellar. How wonderful it is that in this dark world and life, God’s people can act like light to bring joy and happiness to people who are fearful and sad.

God has given us the grace of bringing light into the lives of the people around us. There are people in our neighbourhood, workplace and special care centres who live a life in dark places of sin, despair and rejection.

The Lent season helps us to focus on a very special spiritual journey and strengthens our walk with the Lord, as we contemplate on the journey of Jesus to the cross. But as we think, meditate and seek God’s face, may we look for an opportunity to bring a ray of light into the lives of others around us living in the dark.

The work of the Holy Spirit in our life at the time of conversion begins a process of removing darkness and replacing it with light, whose source is God Himself. This light penetrates all the dark corners of our lives and makes us wonderful ‘flashlights’! Light can do a lot for us. It dispels fear, keeps us from falling, reveals hidden areas and helps us to find what we are looking for. There may be neighbours, colleagues and friends who are weary of the life of darkness and are waiting for light. They may look alright from outside, but deep in their hearts they are longing to step into the light and live a life of joy and victory which only the risen Lord can give. He is the only one who has conquered the power of death and the darkness of the tomb.

We need to be sensitive and burdened in order to bring light into the life of someone who has tried everything to make oneself shine to no avail.

Our experience in Pakistan, a 97% Muslim-majority country, is that people when approached with humility and love, are ready to listen, open their hearts and share their burdens. This is a time to ask if one can pray for them in the name of Jesus. The ministry of prayer with a person who is distressed can begin the work of the Holy Spirit in their lives. Very few Muslim people will object to someone praying for them in the name of Jesus. If our lives are a shining lamp, a Muslim may ask why we said or did something that they had not expected. This is a time for sharing our personal testimony of how God has changed our lives and how He has given us a new mind and a new heart, and how this new life has changed us.

In most Middle Eastern countries as well as some other countries around the world, Christians are a small minority and may constitute about 1-10 % of the population. While a majority Muslim population may seem overwhelmingly dominating, it is an opportunity to be light, and also a challenge to live a life that shines like a beacon of hope, trust and love. May the lights, flickering and dwindling as they might seem, continue to shine in the face of adversaries, persecution and death, among people who are living under the spell of darkness (Philippians 2:15). May the people of darkness know the Light of the world and follow the only one who claims that He is the Light. Amen.

Rev. Ashkenaz Asif Khan Pakistan Ashkenaz is the principal of Zarephath Bible Seminary in Pakistan.