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

During the Christmas season, many people decorate with lights. They put them on their houses, in their yard, and on their tree. This started back in Germany in the 17th Century, according to Wikipedia. They would put small candles on their tree to decorate. Of course, this was a serious fire hazard. In 1880, Thomas Edison introduced electric lights. His associate, Edward H. Johnson, created the first Christmas lights by stringing bulbs around a Christmas tree. By the early 20th century, they were widely used, and by the 1930s, they had become a standard part of the Christmas tree.

One thing I truly enjoy in the Christmas season is just looking at the festive, twinkling lights. We all know, however, that when just one tiny bulb goes out, it can ruin the whole strand.

Well, it’s like that with our Christianity, too. In our Scripture passage today, Jesus is teaching about how important our light is. In Matthew 5:14-15, Jesus said, “You are the light of the world. A city situated on a hill cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and puts it under a basket, but rather on a lampstand, and it gives light for all who are in the house.

We are told in John 1:5, “That light shines in the darkness, yet the darkness did not overcome it.” Light overcomes darkness. In this world today, there is a lot of darkness. But the light of Jesus can overcome this darkness. It goes on to say in John 1:7, “If we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his son cleanses us from all sin.”

In John 8:12, Jesus said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness but will have the light of life.” We have two choices as we go through life in this world. We can walk in darkness. We all know no good comes from that. Or, we can choose to walk in the light. We can choose to let His light shine through us in hopes of bringing others out of darkness.

If we fail to do this, we are that one light that fails to shine. This can cause others around us not to shine. In the Bible, this is called putting a stumbling block before others. We never want to do this.

We all enjoy the beautiful lights at Christmas time. Why not be the light all year round? Be that beacon that guides others safely into the arms of a loving Savior. Trust in Him today. Let His light shine through you so that others may see and be able to walk out of the darkness and into the light.

Just one small light can shine and overcome darkness, but if that light goes out, the world around it will remain dark. Which will you do today? Will you shine brightly or burn out?

Have a great day!