Be the Light
A devotional by Peg Arnold
“When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, ‘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 (NIV)
I love the beautiful and bright displays of Christmas holiday lights that are up during this time of year!
As I see them in my neighborhood, on the exterior of local buildings, inside local businesses, on the lampposts in the parking lots of places like the mall and grocery stores, and in other locations, I smile because they remind me of the reason for this season: celebrating our Savior and King (Jesus Christ).
But did you ever notice that some lights sparkle and some shine? Shining lights appear as steady, radiating beams. Sparkling and glistening lights usually have irregular or interrupted flashes. For example, we may say the stars shine and sparkle. But we never say the sun or the moon sparkles. Those are always steady, shining lights. Regardless of the type, all lights dispel darkness when they are on.
Jesus is the Light of the world. He is the ultimate light. He encourages us to also be a light by allowing His Light to shine through us so we can shine His love into the lives of others. According to John 8:12 (NIV), Jesus is the light of the world and people who follow Him will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life. As followers of Christ, we are called to reflect His light in the world around us.
What kind of light (sparkling or shining) do you reflect?
Since a sparkling light is an irregular emission of light, if you sparkle, you might have times when God is not reflected through you. It could be because of a struggle, hurt, fatigue, doubt, or even busyness. But a shining light is consistent in its glow. It may be dimmer sometimes, but the light never flickers despite challenges, insecurities, and busyness.
Apostle Paul reminds us in Ephesians 5:8 (NIV), “For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light.” For us to walk as children of the light means living in a way that reflects the character of God. Jesus told us in Matthew 5:14-16 (NIV), “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. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”
The good deeds Jesus refers to are those actions that demonstrate love and acceptance. God said to love Him and others. When we do this to the best of our abilities, we shine.
Sometimes, the stresses of life may cause us to sparkle instead of shine. I remember one Christmas when my husband was unemployed. It was a challenge, and our lights flickered quite a bit. We had to make a change. Others surrounded us with love and helped us to see the gifts in relationships rather than things. Our light became stronger through prayer, trusting God, and experiencing His faithfulness.
Here are four ways to help you remember how to shine for Jesus that make an acronym (STAR):
Seek Him first: “Seek first the Kingdom of God” (Matthew 6:33).
Since a sparkling light is an irregular emission of light, if you sparkle, you might have times when God is not reflected through you. It could be because of a struggle, hurt, fatigue, doubt, or even busyness. But a shining light is consistent in its glow. It may be dimmer sometimes, but the light never flickers despite challenges, insecurities, and busyness.
Apostle Paul reminds us in Ephesians 5:8 (NIV), “For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light.” For us to walk as children of the light means living in a way that reflects the character of God. Jesus told us in Matthew 5:14-16 (NIV), “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. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”
The good deeds Jesus refers to are those actions that demonstrate love and acceptance. God said to love Him and others. When we do this to the best of our abilities, we shine.
Sometimes, the stresses of life may cause us to sparkle instead of shine. I remember one Christmas when my husband was unemployed. It was a challenge, and our lights flickered quite a bit. We had to make a change. Others surrounded us with love and helped us to see the gifts in relationships rather than things. Our light became stronger through prayer, trusting God, and experiencing His faithfulness.
Here are four ways to help you remember how to shine for Jesus that make an acronym (STAR):
Seek Him first: “Seek first the Kingdom of God” (Matthew 6:33).
Trust Him completely: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart” (Proverbs 3:5).
Align your heart with His: “Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things” (Philippians 4:8).
Rely on His Word: “Your Word is a lamp to my feet, a light on my path” (Psalm 119:105).
Instead of sparkling this season, be the light of Jesus and shine like a STAR.
Let’s Pray:
Dear Lord,
Thank You for the gift of Jesus, the Light of the World. Help us reflect His light in our lives, whether in steady shining or brief moments of sparkle. Strengthen us to seek You first, trust You fully, and love others as You have called us. May our actions glorify You and point others to Your hope and peace. Guide us by Your Word and help us shine like stars in the darkness for Your glory.
In Christ’s name, we pray. Amen.
Song of Reflection #1: “Light of the World” by Lauren Daigle. Listen to it here.
Song of Reflection #2: “Hold Up the Light” by New Jersey Mass Choir. Listen to it here.
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Author Bio:
Peg Arnold, Speaker/Author/Teacher is a Drama Queen for Jesus.
Her vibrant, interactive, and soul-stirring messages encourage all to embrace their God-given value. As a mom, wife, nana, mentor, with a master’s in counseling, she connects on a personal basis by sharing her joys and challenges of many life experiences through her dramas, messages, and witness. Whether talking with a friend over coffee or addressing hundreds of people at a conference, her passion for equipping women is contagious.
She has published devotions on YouVersion and in the Upper Room. In addition, she has contributed to two Chicken Soup for the Soul books, three anthologies, numerous articles, and blogs. Her devotional, Devotions for the Distracted Heart, received a 2022 OASIS award.
Peg desires everyone to know that their story is important and has a purpose. She grew up in Michigan and raised her family in Maryland. Later in life, Peg and her husband relocated close to their family in Colorado.
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Connect with Peg:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arnoldpeg/
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Website: https://pegarnold.org/ Get some freebies when you visit!
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Devotions for the Distracted Heart blog: https://pegarnold.wordpress.com/
YouVersion: https://www.bible.com/reading-plans/22261-devotions-for-the-distracted-heart
Holiday YouVersion: https://www.bible.com/reading-plans/28680-holiday-devotions-for-the-distracted-heart
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