UNESCO, the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization, is calling people all around the world to celebrate the International Day of Light on May 16, 2021.

What UNESCO Teaches Us about Light

The Director-General of UNESCO’s Natural Sciences Sector published a letter ahead of the event in which he acknowledged that “Light is life.” He immediately followed those three opening words saying, “Without light, life on our planet would not exist.”

Although his letter detoured in the realms of astrophysics, quantum optics, and solar energy, it also contained several other salient and, whether he was aware or not, Biblical truths.

• Light is a universal symbol of life.
• Light is associated with spiritual awakening.
• Light is seen in opposition to darkness.
• Although light symbolizes knowledge, we are still blind …

Another publication from UNESCO added that “Light is at the origin of life itself.”

Instead of recognizing or acknowledging the Biblical basis for these seven truths, the UNESCO statement takes a hard left to make it a point to “Trust Science.”

The message of the International Day of Light 2021 — Trust Science — encourages both scientists and the public alike to sign and support a declaration affirming their trust in science and the importance of public confidence in the scientific process.

What the Bible Teaches Us about Light

• Without light, life on our planet would not exist. The light was the first recorded thing that God created. “And God said, Let there be light: and there was light.” (Genesis 1: 3) The light had to precede all other creation because, without light, life on our planet would not exist.
• Light is seen in opposition to darkness. There is a good reason for that. After He created the light, “God divided the light from the darkness.” (Genesis 1:4) Jesus proclaimed that “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) and “I have come into the world as a light so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness.” (John 12:46)
• Light is a universal symbol of life. The Apostle John tells us that “in Him [Jesus] was life, and the life was the light of men.”
• Although light symbolizes knowledge, we are still blind. John continues, saying, “And the light shineth in the darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.” (John 1:4) Paul explained to the Corinthians that Jesus “made His light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God’s glory.” (2 Corinthians 4:6)
• Light is associated with spiritual awakening. John later described Jesus as “The true Light which lights every man that cometh into the world.” (John 1:9)

How Should We Celebrate the International Day of Light?

May 16 is a perfect day for Christians to not only celebrate but also demonstrate the Light.

Jesus said, “ While I am in the world, I am the light of the world.” (John 9:5). He also told us that we are the light of the world. Therefore, we must let our lights shine before others, “that they may see your good deeds and glorify (y)our Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:14-16)

We should celebrate May 16 by “shining like bright lights in a world full of crooked and perverse people.” (Philippians 2:15)

We should be that light in the darkness every day.

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