According to the Gospels, it can be evidenced that Jesus not only celebrated the Feast of Tabernacles, but also used the different traditional elements of the celebration (such as water and light) and applied them to his mission of life on earth to thus helping the people to understand who He is and what He offers.
Light was an important symbol in this festivity where many emblems and ceremonies recalled the column of fire that gave light to Israel during the exodus. Jesus took this
«Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.”» John 8:12
Some commentators write that Jesus made this declaration at the end of the festival, possibly shortly after the four large oil lamps, lit at the end of the first day of the celebration at the Court of the Women (located inside the temple) in a lighting ceremony surrounded by much joy, were extinguished.
At the end of the holidays, these large oil lamps would stop giving that dazzling light. For his part, Jesus did not miss the opportunity to announce at that precise moment that he was the light that brought joy, truth and justice to the world; therefore, whoever decided to follow him would have the possibility of enjoying a dazzling light of spiritual liberation in a continuous way, and that it would lead to life.
In a world submerged in illusory vanities, in despair due to the darkness of sin and its consequences, a light of hope opens through Christ, who offers to illuminate our path so that we can see the path that leads to salvation.
Jesus, thank you for this day and for the opportunity you give me to remember that you are the light I need to be able to see the path I must follow. You are the light that makes my existence happy, giving me the opportunity to find meaning in my being because you show me that I am not here by chance but to glorify your majestic name by sharing your great love with others. That is why I ask you to help me always stay in the dazzling light of your Word and thus keep the hope that one day I will see you face to face. In your name I raise this prayer. Amen.
Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.
See the chapterOnce more Jesus addressed the crowd. He said, I am the Light of the world. He who follows Me will not be walking in the dark, but will have the Light which is Life.
See the chapterAgain therefore Jesus spake unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in the darkness, but shall have the light of life.
See the chapterJesus spoke to the people again, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me won’t walk in darkness but will have the light of life.”
See the chapterThen Jesus spoke to them again, saying: "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me does not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life."
See the chapterAgain therefore, Jesus spoke to them, saying: I am the light of the world: he that followeth me, walketh not in darkness, but shall have the light of life.
See the chapter