“Unstoppable” describes something that cannot be held back. Waves push past every barrier, winds weave through mountains, and fire rises beyond every attempt to contain it. Yet even these forces cannot compare to the one Light that truly cannot be stopped: the Light of Christ. This Light existed before creation, breaks into every age, and shines even when human hearts attempt to shut it out. The world may resist, but Christ’s Light moves with quiet persistence, holy determination, and eternal love that lingers even when unseen. It was, it is, and it will forever be because no darkness, no doubt, and no human attempt can stop the Light God has given.
This write up reflects on John 1:5, challenge for believers to rediscover the true meaning of Christmas “the Light that dispels the darkness.” John’s Gospel begins not with the birth narrative but with eternity. He introduces Jesus as the Logos, the eternal Word who existed with God and who is God (John 1:1). The opening verses present a grand theological panorama: Jesus is the Creator, the source of life, and the Light of all humanity. Into this majestic introduction, John declares: “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” Here, John is not speaking of physical darkness but the spiritual and moral darkness that has clouded humanity since the fall: sin, confusion, suffering, rebellion, and death. John’s intention is to reveal Christ as God’s decisive answer to human darkness. The coming of Christ is portrayed as a cosmic confrontation, where divine Light breaks into a world overshadowed by deep darkness. Thus, John 1:5 is both a declaration of hope and a proclamation of victory: the Light of Christ is unstoppable, undefeatable, and eternally shining.
When Jesus, the Light of the world, was born, King Herod trembled, not because he understood the child, but because he feared losing his power (Matthew 2:3). In a desperate attempt to stop the Light, Herod ordered the slaughter of the innocent (Matthew 2:16–18), hoping to extinguish what God had ignited. But darkness could not overcome the Light. Jesus was protected, preserved, and His mission continued. Herod’s throne has long crumbled, yet Christ’s Light shines brighter than ever. His story reminds us that earthly powers may rage (Psalm 2:2), rulers may plot (Psalm 2:1), and systems may oppress (Isaiah 9:4), but no human authority can silence God’s Light (Isaiah 60:2). The Light that began in Bethlehem still dispels every shadow, every injustice, every evil (John 8:12). Herod failed because no force on earth can halt the Light of Christ, an Unstoppable Light that brings life, hope, and salvation to all who believe.
The truth is simple yet profound: God’s Light is unstoppable, no matter who tries to silence it. Human powers may close doors, but they can never dim the Light God has lit. Empires have tried to silence His Word, yet the Light keeps breaking through. When authorities restrain God’s work, heaven opens another path. No earthly chain can bind His purpose. Darkness may be loud, but the Light is unstoppable. And this Light is not merely an idea or a force; it is a Person. Jesus Christ, the Light of the World, shines with a brilliance no regime, no power, no darkness can extinguish. His Light outlives prisons, outlasts persecution, and outshines every attempt to silence His name. It simply shines and darkness loses. God’s Light reaches where human permission cannot. When the world says “No,” God whispers, “Watch Me.” And when Christ, the true Light, steps into the darkness, the darkness does not stand a chance.
As the Christmas season unfolds, towns and villages across Nagaland glow with beautiful lights. Streets, homes, and churches sparkle with decorations that symbolize joy and celebration. Yet beyond the outward beauty, we cannot deny the growing shadows that linger in our society: rising social tensions, family conflicts, youth struggles, addiction, moral decline, and many forms of disappointment and fear. This contrast between light and darkness makes the message of Christmas even more relevant for us today. Christmas is not merely a cultural festival or an annual tradition; it is the divine story of Light entering a world filled with darkness. The question for every believer, especially in a land where Christianity has flourished for more than 150 years, is this: Have we truly allowed the Light of Christ to shine into our hearts, families, and society?
Looking at our context today, darkness is not merely an ancient metaphor but it is a present reality. It appears today in many forms: personal struggles and emotional wounds. Fear, anxiety, loneliness, and depression. Addictions and destructive habits. Family conflicts, broken marriages, and strained relationships. Societal corruption, division, and moral decline. Spiritual dryness, prayerlessness, or lukewarm faith. What is the darkness in your life today? Every individual must reflect honestly: Is it unforgiveness? Is it anger or bitterness? Is it secret sin? Is it discouragement? Is it confusion or fear? Is it lack of peace in the family? In Nagaland, we proudly call ourselves a Christian state, yet we face rising challenges that reveal deep shadows within our homes and communities. The darkness we see around us often reflects the darkness we have allowed inside us.
The Light has come and nothing can overcome it. But the real question is: Will we welcome the Light? To welcome Christ means more than decorations, celebrations, or carols. It means surrendering our pride, confessing our sins, trusting His grace, and obeying His Word. Seeing the Light is not enough. Celebrating Christmas is not enough. The Light of Christ must be received personally and lived out daily. We have celebrated Christmas year after year. We know the story of Bethlehem, we have heard the hymns, lit candles, attended programs, and exchanged greetings. Yet the pressing question remains: Has the true Light – Christ Himself – entered our hearts and changed our lives? Has the Light of Christ transformed our society? Healed our divisions? Shaped our values, our behavior, and our public life? Has His Light made our homes places of love, forgiveness, truth, and peace?
The Light we celebrate this Christmas is not fragile, not temporary, not limited by our fears or failures. It is the Unstoppable Light of Jesus Christ, stronger than every darkness, deeper than every wound, greater than every human plan or power. Let us not resist or silence this Light through our pride, traditions, or limited understanding. Instead, let us invite the Light to work in us and through us. When Christ shines in our hearts, He transforms our families. When He shines in our families, He heals our communities. When He shines in our communities, He rebuilds our society. This Christmas, may we welcome the Unstoppable Light of Christ not merely to admire it, but to live by it, walk in it, and reflect it to a world that so desperately needs it. May His Light shine in us, and may darkness lose again.
Rev. Dr. Mar Pongener,
General Secretary, Nagaland Baptist Church Council
