Light Shines
“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
One of my favorite moments at Greystone year after year is opening vespers in the pavilion. It is always a special moment at camp when everyone lifts his or her candles into the air and the light spills out onto the pageant court below.
When Jesus spoke these words during the Sermon on the Mount, he was talking about another candle lighting ceremony in Jerusalem. Every year, people would flock to the city to witness the lighting of the great temple.
The temple in Jerusalem was built upon the highest point and as the large oil lamps were lit inside, light would pour out onto the city below. I’m sure it was an impressive sight. Jesus used this image to help Christians see the importance of living for His glory in a dark and broken world.
Jesus has given each of us unique gifts, skills, and abilities that we are not to keep to ourselves. We are to use our lives to bless and serve others. In this way, we lift the light of Christ up to others and we bring glory to God by living for Him.
When you live for Jesus in this world, you are lifting your candle high and you are joining your light with other Christians in the world. In this way, our light shines before men and all of the glory goes to the true light of the world- Jesus Christ.