Transforming Light

by Nov 1, 2019Easy and Light

Transforming Light

The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

The autumn color has burst into glory these past two weeks. As I drive to work in the mornings, the early morning light splashes across the colorful trees, seeming to set the leaves on fire in their brilliance. I am filled with awe and wonder.

Every fall, even as I revel in the gorgeous colors, I mourn the fading light. We spent several years living in a climate much further north, where autumn meant rapidly decreasing daylight in preparation for the dark days of winter. By the time we hit December, there were only about seven hours of daylight each day. After the Winter Solstice, I would eagerly await the lengthening days and the return of the light. Light transforms darkness and brings hope.

Light has long been a metaphor for God and His work within us. The very first recorded spoken words of God were “Let there be light.” John, is his gospel, refers to Jesus as the true light coming into the world (John 1:9) and Jesus calls himself the Light of the World.

We too, are called to be light in darkness. When I think about how dark our world is sometimes, it seems a daunting task. Yet darkness itself is defined as being devoid of light. That’s it. When there is no light, there is darkness. Light transforms darkness.

Lord God, use us as You please today. Give us the discernment and desire to spread our light into dark places. Let our words and actions to others bring You glory – transforming despair into hope, anxiety into peace and sorrow into joy

This means that even the smallest bit of light can chase away the dark. Jesus said that our good deeds can shine for others to see and glorify God (Matthew 5:16). Even a small act of kindness can spread light to others. Maybe it’s a friendly smile to the harried cashier, or a text to a friend who is going through a hard season. Perhaps it’s letting a stranger in line in front of us, or choosing to offer forgiveness and grace to a loved one who has ticked you off.

When we choose to love other people in big and small ways, we shine our light into the darkness. We transform a difficult situation into something positive. And we ourselves are transformed as well.

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