The tree looked pretty adorned from top to bottom with family heirlooms. Every year, it takes me hours to unwrap and hang the ornaments, loving the trip down memory lane. But there’s always something missing until I plug the strand of lights into the wall. Then, the lights make all the difference.
Their glow casts out the darkness from within the tree and around the room. Their reflection highlights the ornaments, making the tree and room shine. What once looked ordinary now beams extraordinary. The lights made all the difference.
Jesus said that HE is the light of the world (John 8:12).
But He also said that WE are the light of the world (Matt. 5:14-16).
He AND we are light. And we can make all the difference!
“For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) and find out what pleases the Lord.” Eph. 5:8-10
Paul tells us to “live as children of light… and find out what pleases the Lord.”
If ever there was a time that we need to shine, it’s now. The world around us is getting darker and darker. We can’t blame the darkness – it’s just doing what darkness does. The only antidote to darkness is light. Jesus’ opening statement as He began His earthly ministry was, “The people who sat in darkness have seen a great light, and upon those who sat in the region and shadow of death, Light has dawned” (Matt. 4:16).
According to Henry Blackaby, “There was no ignoring Jesus’ arrival upon earth! Darkness was dispelled! Everywhere Jesus went, God’s truth was boldly proclaimed, people were healed, hypocrisy was exposed, and sinners found forgiveness. The world was never the same once the Father introduced His light through His Son. Can that be said of you as well? Do your coworkers recognize the light that is within you? Does the presence of Christ radiate from your home into your community? When God’s light is allowed to shine unhindered through your life, the darkness around you will be dispelled.”
As you are going about your day, you are sure to see lights all around you – in houses, on houses, at the mall, traffic lights, all around you. Let each one remind you: “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” Matt 5:14-16
“In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” John 1:4
