Light has long been symbolic of good and it has many other positive connotations including hope, life and warmth. We talk of "the light at the end of the tunnel" and people "lighting up rooms" - on the one hand referring to hope and on the other, joy. In a literal sense it helps us feel safe, protects us when we encounter danger by illuminating our surroundings so that obstacles can be managed, and provides us with nourishment. Parallels can be drawn between these three examples of what light can do and the symbolic way that it is used in the Bible. As the light of the world, Jesus drives out the metaphorical darkness in our lives, God's word illuminates our path, providing us with guidance on how to deal with life's hurdles, and a healthy relationship with God nourishes us spiritually.

There are so many wonderful Bible passages on light driving out darkness. Here are 10 that can brighten up any day.

Genesis 1:3-5 - And God said, "Let there be light," and there was light. God saw that the light was good, and he separated the light from the darkness.

Isaiah 9:2 - The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned.

Isaiah 42:16 - I will lead the blind by ways they have not known, along unfamiliar paths I will guide them; I will turn the darkness into light before them and make the rough places smooth. These are the things I will do; I will not forsake them.

John 1:5 - The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

John 3:19-21 - This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that their deeds will be exposed. But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what they have done has been done in the sight of God.

John 8:12 - When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life."

John 9:5-7 - While I am in the world, I am the light of the world." After saying this, he spit on the ground, made some mud with the saliva, and put it on the man's eyes. "Go," he told him, "wash in the Pool of Siloam" (this word means "Sent"). So the man went and washed, and came home seeing.

Romans 13:12 - The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armour of light.

Ephesians 5:8 - For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light

1 John 1:5 - This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all.