The Power of Light…Seeking The Brightness”

Have you ever had to sit in the dark without lights for a few hours, perhaps overnight or a few days?

Years ago, my husband and I were traveling from Texas to Delaware. This was a two-and-a half-day drive, so overnight stops were on the agenda. One stop was in Knoxville, Tennessee where we had stayed before and did not expect any surprises. Our hotel was booked for the night and there were a few restaurants close to our location.

But as we approached the area, we noticed something was different and a bit strange. The streetlights were out, buildings were dark, and the whole area was in shrouded in darkness. As we drove, we noticed there were lots of tree limbs down in yards, parking lots and on the road. To our surprise, we had just driven up on the tail end of a very powerful storm that had caused major damage to the area.

What do you do? We drove on to our hotel to check in, but there were no lights on in the hotel. They were allowing people to stay who had reservations, but there was no power…and it was dark. We were told that it was up to us if we wanted to stay, but that the power could be out for an hour, maybe more. We were told by hotel staff that there had been a tornado that had gone through the area. The hotel was not affected except for their power, so we decided to stay and journey out on an attempt to find a restaurant open.

What a journey it was, and it gave us a real appreciation for electricity and lights. Driving around we found just about everything closed except one little grocery store near our hotel. We were thankful and bought a few things to eat by candlelight, which we also had to buy. As we arrived back to our hotel, we were hoping to have lights. However, to our disappointment there were no lights and the hour turned into overnight. Making the best of the situation we ate by candlelight and went to sleep.

Have you ever experienced a time when you have been in the dark? Perhaps at home or outside when you cannot see anything around you. Many people look for a source of light that will help them to see. Physical light helps us to see in the dark and illuminates our surroundings. When someone is in darkness, they will turn on a light, light a candle, find a flashlight, or perhaps even light a fire, depending on their resources.

The Scripture is full of the word light. Physical light was brought into existence when God said, “Let there be light” (Genesis 1:3). Light was brought into darkness and was declared by God as good (Genesis 1:4). He spoke into existence the reality of light and thus revealed His glory! Light is used throughout the Old Testament to reveal God’s presence and His glory.

Within the New Testament, God Himself is associated with light. God is light and figuratively speaking, light is used to describe holiness and purity. (Proverbs 6:23; Isaiah 5:20; Romans 13:12). Light is often used in a spiritual context to identify who God is and His glory. What are some words that come to mind when you say light? If you ask a child, many will say bright, sun, shinny, stars, moon, things that the eye can see to describe light. If we want to teach children about the glory of God and His majesty, we need to describe light to them spiritually.

Jesus said, “As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world” (John 9:5). Below are some ways to encourage children that Jesus is the Light of this world, and His light will brighten all circumstances and guide us through our journey in life.

His light illuminates in our hearts and shines brightly for others to see. Without His light our hearts are filled with darkness. Embrace His light to shine brightly, so other people can see Him through us. “In the same way, let your light shine before people, so that they can see your good deeds and give honor to your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:16).

His light is all powerful over our sins, so we do not have to live in darkness. Without His light we would experience a life without Jesus. Embrace His light to fill your heart with the hope of Jesus Christ as Savior. “But if we walk in the light as he himself is in the light, we have fellowship with one another and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin.” (1 John 1:7).

His light shines in our lives to reflect His glory. Without His light God’s glory cannot be proclaimed. Embrace His light to bring God glory. “For God who said “Let light shine out of darkness,” is the one who shined in our hearts to give us the light of the glorious knowledge of God in the face of Christ” (2 Corinthians 4:6).

His light removes the darkness. Without His light we would remain in the dark. Embrace His light to stay out of darkness. “For you were one time darkness, but now you are light in the Lord, live like children of the light.” (Ephesians 5:8)

His light shines forever. Without His light we would have a dark future. There is no need to ever worry about living in the dark when you have the light of Jesus. Embrace His light today and have a bright future that is forever. “Night will be no more, and they will not need the light of a lamp or the light of the sun, because the Lord God will shine on them, and they will reign forever and ever” (Revelations 22:5).

God created the light, and He is the light. With His light we never need to be afraid of the darkness and we can proclaim His glorious light forever!