Many readers will recognise it as John 1:5, and it is from the Good News version of the Bible. It comes from a “prologue” or “beginning” of John’s Gospel, in which Jesus is spoken of as the word of God, and the light that came into the world.

Outside the Lindt Cafe re-opening a Bible verse bears witness

The Bible verse was the only physical hint of a significant moment for the city (and the nation) as a short queue of customers entered the cafe. A forest of media cameras and a small number of police stood silently.

It’s likely that the person who put out the sign was making the point that God’s light is more powerful than the evil in the world.

And that God’s light will overcome it.