“…You are God’s children and no one can talk against you, even in a sin-loving and sin-sick world. You are to shine as lights among the sinful people of this world.” Philippians 2:15

Light is a funny thing. It had scientists baffled for centuries. It turns out that light is both a wave and a particle. It’s the fastest thing we know of, which is why we use its speed to measure distances in time – lightyears. Light gives illumination and light gives heat. It’s food for plants. And it is essential for life on earth.

Light is not diminished by division. As you light more and more candles from one burning candle, the first is not lessened. Each candle burns as brightly as the next. And as the Sunday School kids discovered, light only appears brighter the darker it gets.

In class we considered two Johns – John, the friend of Jesus who wrote the Book of John, and John the Baptist, Jesus’ cousin. Both of these Johns claimed that Jesus was sent as a message from God to us. Both were quick to disclaim being prophets, but instead pointed to Jesus as the only one worthy of praise and the only One worth following. Then we considered the moon – a cold, dark rock with no light of its own. Yet it shines brightly in the night sky. But does it? In reality it only reflects the light of the sun. And we, like the two Johns, can only reflect the light of the Son.

We have no goodness or light of our own. We are sinful, mortal humans just like billions before and after us. But with Jesus living in us and through us we are able to become eternal beings with a mission from God to do good works planned for us from the beginning of time! The more brightly we allow Jesus to shine through us, the more clearly those around can see God. “Let your light shine in front of men. Then they will see the good things you do and will honor your Father Who is in heaven.” Matthew 5:16

As the world grows darker, our light shines brighter. Our good works stand in stark contrast to the selfishness and sin around us. In dark times of disease and natural disasters, we are the light that brings hope. And the good works we do reflect Jesus’ love and compassion and point those who witness them towards Jesus, God’s great love letter to humanity, and the Light of the world.

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. 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 1:1-5

Stir up the embers of your faith and let that little light shine!

Happy glowing,

Jen