The light of Christ, shining through others, can bring us great joy and gladness. Jesus said of John the Baptist, “[He] was a burning and shining lamp, and you were willing to rejoice for a while in his light” (John 5:35, ESV). The NCV says, “…you were happy to enjoy his light for a while.”

In a dark world, our hearts are cheered by seeing light wherever it appears. Often light is embodied in a Jesus-follower, in whom we see a secondary reflection of Jesus, who is the Primary, the Light of the world.

I think of my friend Greg Coffey who came to Christ at seventeen, and shined with a great light, then died two years later. I think of the five missionaries murdered in Ecuador in 1956, whose bright light for Christ, along with that of their wives who survived them, drew thousands of young people into missions.

I think of Garland Gabbert, Daniel Brose, and Tom Lytle, older men in our church who drew me and many others into their light. If the chair next to them was open that’s where I would sit, just wanting to be touched by their Christlike wisdom, grace and happiness. Rather than shriveling in heart as they grew older, they became more loving and ministry-minded.

May it be true of me, and all of us…may we draw our light and joy always from Jesus, so that it is never extinguished any more than He can be.  

“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. 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 5:14-16).

Photo by Josh Boot, via Unsplash