John 1:8-9 “He himself was not the light, but he came to testify to the light.  The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world.”

Are we like reflectors or do we glow from inside like a lamp? Are we like the sun or are we like the moon?  We are not the light, just as John says, but we are called to testify to the light.  We have the light within us because the true light, Jesus, enlightens us.  His light shines in us and through us so what metaphor can I find to help us?  We are not just reflectors like the moon reflecting the sun’s light.  We are not like the sun, our own source of light.  Maybe the lamp is the best metaphor I can come up with today.  We are built to hold the light and shed light to the world around us but we must receive the light first.  Without light, a lamp is dark and useless.  When the lamp receives its energy and light source it will glow and illuminate the area all around it.  As we prepare to celebrate the coming of the Light of the world, I am reminded to dust off my lamp shade, polish the lamp base and check the connection to the power source.  It is time to renew and strengthen the connection to the true light, the one who enlightens you and me and everyone; the One coming into the world.

Lord,

As the sun breaks open a new day let it be a reminder to us all of your Son, Jesus, the one true and everlasting light of the world.  When we flip the switch to light a room in our home, let that also remind us of the light we hold in our hearts to share with the world around us.  Encourage us to be the lamps you designed us to be.  To your glory I pray, Amen.