Shine for All to See!

“In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:16).

Growing up, one of my favorite family Christmas traditions was piling into the car to drive around town together, looking at the Christmas lights. Nothing got me into the Christmas spirit quite like listening to Christmas carols on the radio, sipping hot chocolate, laughing with family, and seeing twinkling lights of all colors!

Every year, one particular house in town caught our eyes. It was completely covered, top-to-bottom, in sparkling lights, illuminating the night sky more than any house on the street. The homeowners even programmed their lights to flash in sync to the tune of popular Christmas carols. Those driving by could tune into a particular radio station to enjoy the full experience. And every year, cars lined the whole street to see the show.

As Christmastime rolled around each year, some people around town complained that this house was annoying, that their lights were too bright, they were using too much electricity, and that this family caused unnecessary traffic jams because so many cars stopped to linger and look at the radiant beams.

Others said this house was extraordinary and the highlight of their holiday season. It’s hard to tell just how many people shared the same family tradition as mine, to stop and stare at this beautiful, shining display on the corner of town.

What made this house so special to me every year wasn’t just the incredibly creative decorations, but the heart behind it all. We were great friends with this festive family, and we knew their true intent was to share the good news of Jesus Christ through their extravagant decorations and intentional song selections, which told the story of Christ’s birth. Not only was their bright display the talk of the town, but they were spreading Christ’s love and Truth to the watching community, too. As followers of Jesus, this was one powerful way that they were shining for Him and pointing others to Him in the process.

You can probably tell where I’m going with this. But don’t worry, I’m not about to say that you must also go all out like this every Christmas, stringing lights here and there and everywhere to shine for Christ. Perhaps you already do this, though. How fun!

What I do want to encourage you with is the Truth of Matthew chapter five, where Jesus Himself urges His followers to shine so that others can see Him through their attitudes, actions, and words. Addressing His followers, Jesus says in Matthew 5:14-15, “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead, they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.”

Just like the believing family whose house lit up the night with the joy and love of Christ through their wonderful Christmas display each year, you and I are called to shine for Christ in all we say and do. When others tease us or try to tear us down for shining so brightly, which they will, may we resolve to continue shining boldly for Christ in all we say and do, as He enables us to do so by His Spirit.

I get it, it’s easier to dim our lights whenever it feels like we’re the only believers in our classes, workplaces, neighborhoods, families, or social media feeds. But Christ calls us to shine for Him anywhere and everywhere, speaking His Truth in love and demonstrating His heart of compassion to the lost and hurting.

Pause to Reflect:

• In what ways have you been tempted to “dim” your light for Christ, neglecting to shine for Him in your attitudes, actions, and words so that others may come to know and worship Him?

The truth is, others will stop to notice the difference in us as Christ works powerfully in us. As we seek to give generously and serve sacrificially as Christ’s followers this holiday season, others may ask why we’re demonstrating such love, joy, hope, and peace. May we never take the glory for ourselves, but rather point others to Him! As Matthew 5:16 says, “In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”

Remember the amazing “Christmas joy-spreader” house I described to you earlier? Well, after decades of spreading Christmas cheer and the good news of Christ, the sweet family decided to move. This meant that the beloved house would no longer be decorated the same way every year. Even though the family and their colorful decorations were no longer on display, the family’s legacy of Christ’s light and joy remained. What’s amazing is the family made it their mission to start shining for Christ in the new town He called them to.

Friend, think about the people at home, school, your workplace, neighborhood, and surrounding community. It is no coincidence you find these people in your life in this season. If you call yourself a follower of Jesus Christ, God is asking you—yes, YOU, dear friend— to display God’s love and Truth to those around you! So, let’s make the most of every opportunity, especially this holiday season, to spread God’s love and hope in all we say and do.

Pause to Reflect:

• Who has God intentionally surrounded you with (whether at home, school, your workplace, neighborhood, community, etc.)?
• Think of one person you can intentionally shine God’s love and Truth to this holiday season. Pray for this person and regularly look for opportunities to use your words and actions to shine the love and Truth of Christ in that person’s life. Remember, God gets all the glory!

Just as my Christmas-loving family friends left a legacy of God’s love and light, may we also make the most of every opportunity to shine for Him, refusing to dim His light as He powerfully works in us. And may we remember that the darker the night, the brighter Christ will shine in and through us. May He receive all the glory, and may others come to know Him as a result.

Let’s pray:

Dear God,
You are the Light of the World. Thank You for choosing to shine Your love and Truth through us, Your followers, to the world around us. Please give us the courage to shine for You in all we say and do. Please help others to notice a difference in us, and may they be drawn to You as we shine for Your glory.
In Jesus’s name, amen.