Go Light Your World

by Sis. Tanya Bico

Reading for the day: Matthew 5:14-16

Christmas lighting ceremonies have become a highlight of the season for many 4th watchers all over the world. It signals the official start of our festivities and activities such as caroling. Christmas would not feel like Christmas without some holiday lighting. And just as its presence marks the beginning of the season, the lessening of these lights also points to its end.

You might have started taking down your decorations, packing up your lights or maybe you’ll wait until you ring in the New Year before putting everything away.

Regardless, light plays an important role in spreading the Yuletide cheer.

You see, light can accomplish many things, such as delivering a message.

When you see a parol, an ornamental lantern displayed at someone’s window, chances are it belongs to a Filipino family, who will gladly open their home for you to carol in.

More solemnly, candles at a vigil or at a memorial commemorate the passing of a loved one or bring attention to a tragedy.

In recent memory, many opted to bring out their k-pop light sticks instead of the traditional candle at protests in South Korea for the impeachment of their then President.

All of this to say that light will always bring attention to something.

This is what we want you to remember, to pay attention to, to focus on or to simply celebrate.

And this is why the light that we have as believers is important to share even beyond Christmas. Because we are bringing attention to the true reason for this season.

But just because we are packing up our Christmas lights does not mean we should put out the light of the true message of Christmas, that the light of the world, Jesus, was born.

Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” (John 8:12)

As followers of Christ we have this light and must now make our light shine.

“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)

No matter how dark it is, or how much circumstances dictate you to dim or put out your light, we should always make a way to shine our light for Jesus

Maybe this year you dimmed or hid your light, or did not want to turn on the light of your testimony.

The coming new year, let your light shine for Jesus. Go light your world–your communities, your workplaces, within your families or friend groups. Strengthen and share your testimony and bring people closer to Christ. Always find an opportunity, a way to make your light shine.

Reflection: How do you let your light shine for Jesus? How will you make your light shine in the new year?