Sometimes winter has a way of reminding us what matters. A few years ago, during a particularly heavy snowfall, our neighborhood was buried under mountains of white. Streets disappeared. Cars vanished under frozen hills. But before anyone could panic, the rumble of city trucks made its way down the block. Giant plows scraped a path, pushing aside everything that stood in the way so the road could be used again.

I remember watching from the window as the plows pushed through all that snow and thinking, “Nothing stands a chance against that.”

That picture—of something strong clearing a path—captures the heart of Christmas more than we often realize. Jesus didn’t just come to be admired in a manger. He came to clear a pathway back to God. He came to push aside every spiritual obstacle that kept us separated from our Father.

When Simeon held the infant Jesus in the temple, he understood this. Looking into Mary’s eyes, he prophesied: “This child is appointed for the fall and rising of many in Israel… so that thoughts from many hearts may be revealed.” Luke 2:34–35, ESV

Jesus came to confront darkness, reveal truth, and open a road where there wasn’t one before.

Let’s walk through this path together.

Jesus Came to Destroy the Work of the Devil

John is remarkably clear about why Jesus came: “The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the works of the devil.” 1 John 3:8, ESV

That word destroy doesn’t mean “tolerate,” “coexist,” or “negotiate.” It means demolish, dismantle, strip of power.

The Stronger Man Has Arrived

Jesus explained it with a mini-parable: “When a strong man, fully armed, guards his own palace, his goods are safe; but when one stronger than he attacks him… he divides his spoil.” Luke 11:21–22, ESV

Satan is that “strong man,” but Jesus is the stronger one who storms the house and takes back what rightfully belongs to God. At the cross, Jesus dismantled Satan’s claim on humanity by paying the full price of our sin. The resurrection sealed the victory.

The Enemy Disguises—But Jesus Reveals

Paul warns us: “Even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light.” 2 Corinthians 11:14, ESV

The devil's strategy hasn’t changed since Eden: deceive, distract, and destroy. He whispers lies dressed as truth. “You’re too broken.” “You’ll never change.” “God is disappointed in you.”

But Jesus came to expose the lies and illuminate the truth with His own life, death, and victory.

A Story: The Broken Fence

A friend once told me about the fence behind his childhood home. Every storm made the fence lean farther until it looked like it would collapse. One day his father brought out tools and reinforced the whole structure. “The storm didn’t break it,” his father said, “but it showed the weak spots.”

That is what Jesus does. He reveals weakness not to shame us, but so He can restore what is broken.

The enemy works to destroy; Jesus works to rebuild. Jesus clears the debris of shame, fear, and guilt so we can walk freely with Him.

Jesus Came to Defeat the Way of the Defiant

Simeon said Jesus would cause both “falling and rising.” In other words, some would humble themselves before Him and rise into His kingdom, while others—too proud to surrender—would resist Him and fall.

The Human Heart Loves Control

The devil tempts us to build our own little kingdoms—kingdoms of self-rule. Jesus confronts that. He calls us to surrender and follow Him. And not everyone wants that.

Jesus warned: “Do you think that I have come to give peace on earth? No, I tell you, but rather division.” Luke 12:51, ESV

Not because Jesus enjoys conflict, but because truth creates a dividing line.

Herod Wouldn’t Give Up His Power

When the Magi came seeking the true King, Matthew says: “When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him.” Matthew 2:3, ESV

Herod didn't fear a baby; he feared losing his throne. He chose violence, paranoia, and control rather than surrender. His kingdom was temporary, but he clung to it as if it were eternal.

Many still do the same—holding tightly to sin, pride, status, or self-rule, even when Jesus offers a better kingdom.

The Religious Leaders Wouldn’t Give Up Their Position

Later in Jesus’ life: “They were seeking a way to destroy him, for they feared him, because all the crowd was astonished at his teaching.” Mark 11:18, ESV

Jesus threatened their control. His light exposed their spiritual darkness. The more people were drawn to Jesus, the more the religious leaders hardened their hearts.

The Pain—and Purpose—of Opposition

When we follow Jesus wholeheartedly, some people may feel exposed and uncomfortable. You don’t even have to preach. Sometimes your changed life shines like a bright light in their dark room. And lights hurt when you’re used to darkness.

Jesus said: “You are the light of the world.” —Matthew 5:14, ESV

Light attracts some, irritates others, and exposes what’s hidden. But it’s still what the world desperately needs.

A Story: The Porch Light

Years ago, I installed a bright new porch light. It was so bright that when our neighbor walked by, he shielded his eyes and joked, “Could you aim that thing at the moon?”

Light isn’t always comfortable at first, but it keeps you safe, reveals reality, and leads you home.

Jesus’ presence and His truth sometimes bring painful clarity—but also healing and salvation for those who are willing.

Following Him means choosing His kingdom over our own. And that choice will always reveal the heart.

Jesus Came to Deliver the Weak and Downcast

Not only did Jesus confront darkness—He came to rescue those who suffer under it. He came for the weary, the wounded, the ones who feel like life has wrung them out.

The Enemy Attacks—but Jesus Restores

Jesus said: “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” John 10:10, ESV

Satan binds, accuses, and breaks. Jesus frees, restores, and lifts up.

Jesus healed a woman who had been suffering for nearly two decades, and said: “…whom Satan bound for eighteen years… ought she not to be loosed?” Luke 13:16, ESV

And to Peter He said: “Satan demanded to have you, that he might sift you like wheat.” Luke 22:31, ESV

The devil seeks to sift; Jesus seeks to save.

Jesus Invites the Burdened

One of the most comforting invitations in Scripture is this: “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest… you will find rest for your souls.” Matthew 11:28–29, ESV

Rest for the soul. That’s something no doctor can prescribe and no vacation can guarantee. Only Jesus gives it.

A Story: The Bent Tree

On a hiking trail I once saw a tree bent nearly in half. It must have been through storms, wind, maybe lightning. But it was still alive—still growing—because deep underground its roots held.

Many of us feel like that tree. Life has bent us. We’ve been hit by storms we never asked for. And yet—we are still here. Why? Because Jesus is the root that keeps us alive.

He lifts the weak. He binds the broken. He clears a way where there seems to be none.

The Greatest Deliverance of All

John writes: “He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him. But to all who did receive him… he gave the right to become children of God.” John 1:11–12, ESV

Simeon saw the infant Jesus and declared: “My eyes have seen your salvation.” Luke 2:30, ESV

J

esus came as a child so He could die as a Savior. As Paul proclaims: “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners…” 1 Timothy 1:15, ESV

This is the heart of Christmas.

This is the hope of the weary.

This is the road He cleared for us.

The Road Is Open

The old hymn says:

“To save us all from Satan’s pow’r

When we were gone astray—

O tidings of comfort and joy.”

Comfort and joy come because the road to God is no longer blocked. Jesus plowed through every barrier—sin, shame, darkness, death itself—and cleared a path straight into the Father’s arms.

He destroyed the devil’s work.

He confronted the defiant heart.

He delivered the weak and weary.

The question now is simple:

Will you walk the path He cleared?

Because the road is open.

The Savior has come.

And the invitation still stands.

Reflection Questions

1. Where do you see the enemy trying to deceive, discourage, or distract you? How does Jesus’ victory speak into that battle?

2. Are there areas of your life where you’ve resisted surrendering control to Jesus? What step of obedience could you take this week?

3. Who in your life needs the light and hope of Jesus right now? How can you shine His light with humility and love?

4. How has Jesus delivered you from past hurts, sins, or weaknesses? What testimony can you share with someone else?

5. What part of Jesus’ mission—destroying the enemy’s work, confronting defiance, lifting the weak—speaks to your heart most today? Why?

If you'd like, I can format this as a downloadable PDF or turn it into a multi-part blog series.

Rediscovering the simple, steadfast faith that overcomes the world.

The Apostle John, the final living eyewitness of Jesus, wrote his letters to a generation of believers who were confused, weary, and tempted to compromise. By this time, he was no longer the "fiery young fisherman" he once was; he had become the elder statesman and spiritual father of the faith.

His letters are not abstract theology; they are a pastor’s heart poured out for the people he loves. John’s message is clear: genuine faith is not proven by lofty words, but by how we walk, love, and obey.

At the center of his urgent message is not an idea, but a Person—Christ Himself.

1. The Foundation: John's Eyewitness Credibility (1 John 1:1–4)

Imagine a soldier calling home after months deployed overseas. When his wife answers, all he manages is her name, yet she bursts into tears of joy. That single word carried the weight of a thousand memories because love had given it meaning.

When John begins his letter, he is doing the same thing. He starts by reminding them what he knows—not what he heard about, but what he experienced firsthand : “That which we have heard… seen… touched”.

In a world filled with spiritual speculation, John is saying: "I’m not guessing about God. I walked with Him".

Why This Matters for You

The gospel doesn't rest on secret knowledge or emotional highs; it rests on the solid testimony of those who saw and touched the Savior. The eternal Son truly became flesh and blood; holiness stepped into history.

John’s ultimate goal is Fellowship. He wants believers to share in the koinonia—the partnership, shared life, and communion—he’s known with Christ.

This fellowship is vertical (with the Father and the Son).

It is also horizontal (with one another).

When we live in truth and love, we live in that sacred triangle of fellowship. And for John, this shared truth is the fulfillment of joy.

2. The Power: God’s Light and Blood (1 John 1:5–7)

John states plainly: “God is light”. He is not a light among many, but the light in whom there is no darkness at all. This light has two essential functions:

A. Light to Reveal Our Sin

The first function of light is to expose what is hidden. Sin thrives in secrecy. It can be uncomfortable, but when we bring our actions into God’s light, its power begins to break.

B. Blood to Remove Our Sin

The good news is that revelation is immediately followed by remedy:

"But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin." (v.7)

The light reveals sin, but the blood removes it. Walking in the light doesn’t mean never stumbling; it means never hiding. When we fall, we fall toward the light, not away from it.

3. The Problem: The Sinner’s Denial (1 John 1:8–10)

The greatest danger isn't just doing wrong, but denying we ever could.

In John's day, Gnostics claimed to be spiritually beyond sin.

Today, the temptation is subtler: we call sin "a mistake" or "a weakness".

John warns that self-deception blocks the pathway to transformation. To deny personal sin isn't just self-deception—it is calling God a liar and replacing His authority with our own. If sin isn't real, the cross becomes unnecessary.

The Heartbeat of Hope

Fortunately, John’s message concludes with an answer:

"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."

Confession doesn’t earn forgiveness; it simply opens the door to receive it. God’s forgiveness rests on His faithfulness and justice. Confession is not humiliation—it is liberation.

Live Near the Light

John’s call is not to unattainable perfection, but to presence—to live near the Light, walk in honesty, and rest in grace.

The same Christ John saw, heard, and touched is the Christ who lives in you. Let His light reveal, His blood remove, and His Spirit renew.

💡 Reflection Questions for the Week

What would “walking in the light” look like for you this week?

How can you practice confession as a pathway to freedom rather than fear?

Where might pride or denial be blocking your fellowship with God or others?