As I chatted at church Sunday, I got chilled. Thankfully, I stepped out of the shadows into the sunshine. Ah, hugged by warmth.

Monday, I sat to enjoy my indoor Christmas lights. (Yes, they’re still up.) The glow imbued my heart with joy and delight.

I clicked the light behind my rocker in order to read (since my book was actually made of ink and paper). Words came into view.

When I peeked outside, I saw the effects of the desert’s light. Tomatoes were turning red, grapefruit blushed, and bushes burst with orange and yellow blossoms.

Light is a blessing! It can provide warmth, allow us to see clearly, and reveal obstacles. It brings delight and causes maturation.

What did Jesus say about light? “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life” (John 8:12).

Jesus came to provide clarity, to show us the way to the Father, and introduce us to the abundant life, a spiritual richness from connecting closer with God.

Light meets needs. It provides comfort, delight, clarity. Encourages maturation. Reveals obstacles, dangers, and best of all, truth.

Jesus also taught, “You are the light of the world” (Matthew 5:14a).

As light, believers are to shine brightly, breaking through and replacing spiritual darkness. We can:

• Reflect Jesus (or resemble Him) in our words and actions.
• Share biblical truth in a comforting, encouraging, and delightful manner.
• Show others the way to Jesus, His gift of salvation, and eternal life.
• Guide newer believers toward maturity in Christ.

Let’s not be like the fading star on top of my Christmas tree. That’s all wrong! Instead, let’s “shine like the stars in the universe as [we] hold out the word of life” (Philippians 2:15b-16a).