As Christians we rightfully recognize and think of God as Father πατήρ (pater) who is the originator of everything. Father is a foundational understanding of God but James the half brother of Jesus calls God the Father of lights. Light as a description of God adds a new dynamic that we should explore to better understand God.
Do not be deceived, my beloved brothers. 17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. 18 Of his own will he brought us forth by the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures James 1:16-18 ESV
Simply Shine Lights
If we look at the Greek word that James uses we find the most basic use. Just like pater for Father is simply father so light φῶς (phos) is simply light. However together in this way James opens our eyes to a better understanding of what God provides or gives to us. The Father of lights is a giving Father.
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. 4 In him was life, and the life was the light of men. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. John 1:1-5 ESV
Rejecting the Gift
Light is life. Without light we die in the void of chaos and destruction. The Egyptians as one of their plagues were given a groping darkness for three days. Zero light with life itself frozen in place. Light like every good and perfect gift comes directly from God himself. He is the Father of lights.
The other side of light is darkness and while light is a gift to free us from darkness people reject the light. Rejecting light is rejecting the gift of the Father of lights.
19 And this is the judgment: the light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the light because their works were evil. John 3:19 ESV
Darkness or Life
Dear reader you want the Father of lights in your life. His gift is perfect and drives out all shadows. God provides the light that you might see where you are going. Do not stumble about in darkness loving wickedness more than life itself.
Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” John 8:12 ESV
