Matthew 5:14-16 – Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. (KJV)

In our rural area, street lights can be found in some small communities, but not all. Individual families do have security lights planted somewhere in their farm or yard, but otherwise, when the sun dips behind the horizon, the surrounding area plunges into darkness. To help remedy this lack of light, people attach electric candles to their windows, letting them shine throughout the year. During the day, in full sunlight, the window candlelight appears dim, but at night, these little lights shine brightly, providing a welcoming glow for visitors and helping to illuminate the darkness.

In today's Bible passage, Jesus spoke about a candle giving light to a whole room as a metaphor for the good deeds that we do to help others. Many around here take His words to heart and engage in a variety of good works, like contributing to and manning foodbanks. Likewise, after Hurricane Harvey hit Texas and the Gulf Coast, people from our area raced to the flood-stricken areas to aid the victims, while others donated money or goods. In this way, according to Jesus, they became light in the middle of a dark crisis.

When Christ lives in each of us, we gradually become more like Him. That means that we want to do the little things — and the big things — that shine the light of hope into a dismal, dim, and sometimes dark world.

When we do good things to help others, we, too, become shining lights for Christ.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are the bright light shining hope into this dark world. Enable us to become more like You, so that through our good deeds, the light of Your presence will shine into the darkness. For Your name's sake, we pray. Amen.

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About the author:

Cassandra Wessel <casswessel4319@gmail.com>
Tionesta, Pennsylvania, USA
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