(2 minute 47 second read)
The book of James often gets recognized for its practical advice on Christian living, but hidden in its first chapter is one of the most profound theological truths:
“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” (James 1:17).
Isn't that a comforting thought? But what exactly does "Father of lights" mean?
Let’s break it down a little.
James' phrase is unique—it’s the only time "Father of lights" is used in Scripture.
It points back to Genesis, where God created the stars and celestial bodies to mark seasons and time (Genesis 1:14-18).
While the heavens might shift and change, God does not.
He created the stars, the sun, and the moon, yet unlike those lights in the sky, He remains constant—no variation, no shifting like shadows.
It's an interesting contrast.
The stars, which ancient cultures often saw as divine beings, were created by God.
In fact, the Old Testament speaks of heavenly beings metaphorically as “morning stars” (Job 38:7).
And James, in calling God the Father of lights, reminds us that He is the Creator, and everything else—including the heavenly hosts—are His creations.
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So, while the world around us may change and fluctuate (just like the seasons), the Father of Lights remains steadfast and unwavering.
His promises, His love, and His goodness don't flicker out like a dying star.
And here’s the key part: If God is unchanging, then every good and perfect gift He gives is also unchanging.
God’s character is always good. There’s no darkness in Him at all (1 John 1:5).
Unlike the spiritual beings who are in his heavenly host (1 Kgs 22:19), whose nature may fail, God’s will not.
You never have to wonder if God’s good gifts come with a catch—because they don’t.
He gives generously and perfectly.
Even though the celestial bodies can change, causing eclipses or shadows to form, God does not.
His light is constant, reliable, and trustworthy.
And because of that, no matter what season of life you're in or how the world around you shifts, you can trust that God's nature remains the same.
Here’s something for you to reflect on this week: Where in your life have you felt that God’s light has dimmed or shifted? What if, instead of God’s light changing, it’s simply that your circumstances are casting a shadow?
Take some time to ask God to shine His unchanging light on those areas, and remember that He is the Father of lights—unchanging and forever good.
Until next time,
-Nils
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P.S.
I think it’s time to start focusing more on YouTube 🙂
Ideas and adaptation for this topic were taken from “The Bible Unfiltered”