“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.”
Matthew 5:14–16, NIV
The moment God’s light graced the world in the form of a child, hope exploded on the scene. That hope, the light of Jesus, could not be extinguished. It endured, persevered, and pointed the way to all that Jesus would do in his 33 years on earth, especially through his death, burial, and resurrection. His light shines even now as you read these words.
Because of his everlasting light, all who follow Jesus participate in reflecting his light. When we love others well, we radiate the hope, joy, and peace of Jesus. When we respond with kindness in the face of harsh words, or give graciously without expecting something in return, we illumine God’s character in the same way Jesus did through his words and actions.
Each selfless act of faith reveals his light to others and, we hope, inspires them to step out of darkness and into his light. And like stars in the night sky, together we form beautiful constellations, revealing God’s awesome glory and persistent love. In this way, we take our place in continuing Jesus’s unceasing, unremitting, and unending light.
Dear Jesus, I want your light to shine through me, especially for those who dwell in darkness. May my words, actions, and attitudes be such that they reveal your life in me and bring glory to your great name. Amen.
This devotional can be done in conjunction with BLINK, the Christmas storybook for children. Pick up your copy at Waumba Land or UpStreet this Sunday.
