One of God’s attributes is light. Scripture calls it “unapproachable light,” meaning that no unholy human can see a holy God and live, just as we can’t get too close to the sun without being consumed. The Scripture describes Jesus, the Son of God, as the “light of the world.” In him there is no darkness. He is not only light, but he illuminates our minds with the things he wants us to see and know. C. S. Lewis said, “I believe in Christianity as I believe that the sun has risen; not only because I see it, but because by it I see everything else.”

The moon generates no light of its own, and its beauty is totally dependent on the sun’s rays. Similarly, no man or woman can be a light in his or her own power, but he or she can reflect God’s light in and to a dark world. That light source is the Holy Spirit who indwells every believer in Jesus Christ. He tells us that we are not to hide our light under a bushel, but are to put our lamp (Christ) on a lamp stand so that all may see him through us.

The light we reflect guides others like a search light leading lost airplanes home. It warns them like a lighthouse telling ships to steer clear. It can be like a warm fire to those inflicted by the harsh cold of an uncaring world. This light, the light of Jesus, shines in the darkness, and the darkness will never, ever conquer it. May God help us mirror his light so that others may see him and live.

“All the darkness in the world cannot extinguish the light of a single candle.” — FRANCIS OF ASSISI

JOHN 1:4–5 In [Christ] was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

MATTHEW 5:15–16 “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.”

PHILIPPIANS 2:15 . . . so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation. Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky.