Let Your Light Shine!

As Dad read through the story of Jesus' birth to us this Christmas, I was struck with the star that drew the attention of the wise men (Matthew 2-13). The star was unusual. It didn't fit in, or look like the ones around it. It was rare. It stood out as being so remarkable, so different, that it drew the attention of esteemed, wise and wealthy men. But as unusual as it was, it wasn't actually the star that was important or what the men were searching for; it was what the star was casting its light upon!

We are the light of this world. We are not to fit in or look like the darkness around us. We are to shine as brightly and purely as possible; not that others may stop and be content to see us, but that their attention may be directed to Christ the Lord, for Whom we shine.

People who are different naturally draw the attention of passersby. We are a peculiar people, and it shows in many, many areas; some small, some big, but all relevant to our representation of our Lord. We are not just to be different for difference sake, but we are different because the world is in darkness and we are in light; a stark contrast that will attract the attention and curiosity of others, leading to inquiry.

Ye are the light of the world.

Let your light so shine before men,
that they may see your good works,
and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
Matthew 5:14a, 16

And, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was. And when they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy. And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshiped him.

Matthew 2:9b-11a

Verses to Memorize:

John 8:12 Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.

Ephesians 5:8 For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light:

Ephesians 2:10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

Philippians 2:14-15 Do all things without murmurings and disputings: That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world;

I Peter 2:12 Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation.

Titus 3:8 This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men.