“In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in Heaven.” — Matthew 5:16
The Brightest Light
Christmas break is often a welcome break for coaches and athletes after many months of practice and competition. As we see the Christmas lights in our homes and many places in our communities, we pause and marvel at the wonder of Christmas, especially at night. During the night, the moon and the stars poke holes in the darkness.
Long ago, God spoke about someone who shines brighter than the stars. “I see Him but not now; I behold Him, but not near; a Star shall come out of Jacob; a Scepter shall rise out of Israel…” (Numbers 24:17). This prophecy spoke about the time when the three wise men saw a star which moved toward the place of Jesus’ birth. “Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, saying, ‘Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him'” (Matthew 2:1-2).
When the angels appeared to the shepherds, the heavenly host glowed in the dark. The shining angels lit up the night as they told the shepherds about Jesus. “Now there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the fields, keeping watch over their flocks by night. And behold, an angel of the Lord shone round about them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. Then the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord'” (Luke 2:8-11).
When God speaks about light and darkness in the Bible, darkness represents ignorance, evil, falsehoods, despair, death and the devil. Light represents knowledge, truth, goodness, life, hope and God. On the first Christmas night, Jesus broke through the darkness to bring light to the whole world. That little baby grew up to bring the light of truth to everyone. “Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life” (John 8:12).
God calls each person to come out of the darkness into the light. When the light of the Gospel shines into our hearts, then God’s light moves through our hearts and minds to light up the world around us.
“You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in Heaven.” — Matthew 5:14-16
— Bill Kent, Pastor of Memorial Baptist Church, Sylvania, Ga.
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