In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. Matthew 5:16 ESV

 

Festivals of light are celebrated all over the world–light plays a starring role in celebration and encouragement.

 

The Bible explains that God longs to call all people out of darkness—the spiritual darkness we live in without the forgiveness and grace available to us through Jesus. Jesus Christ called Himself the light of the world saying, “Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life” (John 8:12). Jesus told His followers that they are to reflect His light. “You are the light of the world…” He said. “No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way,” Jesus made it personal, “let your light shine before others so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven” (Matthew 5:14-16).

 

How can Jesus-followers shine in practical ways? Bible teacher, Sherry Worel, lets her light shine in a beautiful way when she eats in restaurants. When the server brings the meal to the table and asks if there’s anything else they can get for her, Sherry replies, “Well, I’m going to thank God for this food, but how can I pray for you?” That offer is usually met with pleasant surprise; practically no one ever turns it down! “Please pray for my aging parent,” one replied. “Can you pray for my kid?” another asked. One server returned three times during the meal with more prayer requests.

 

Jesus cared about individual people and we shine brightest in this hurting world when we show love where it might not be expected.