Reflecting on the Light

This month we have reflected on “Light Up The Church”, the meaning and impact it has had and continues to have. We also look forward to Hanukkah where we once again remember the meaning and impact that it had and continues to have on not only our lives but the Land of Israel. So, what do these two things have in common? Light!

Webster’s Dictionary defines “light” as “something that makes vision possible” which raises the question, can we “see” (vision) without light? I think the answer to that question is obvious. No, we can’t. So, you would think that “light” is therefore pretty important. In fact, that is the first thing Yah created – speaking it into existence out of the dark chaos. And He said it was tov or good (Gen 1:3).

Isn’t it interesting that during their time in exile in Egypt during the plagues that when Yah sent the darkness, there was light in the dwellings of the Israelites (Ex. 10:23). When Yah lead them out of Egypt, he lead them by a pillar of fire by night to light the way (Ex 13:21). Then when Yah gave instructions for the tabernacle, He told them to create a seven branched lamp stand to give light to the interior (Ex 25:37). The Psalmist often mentions “light” as in “lift up the light of Your face upon us” (Ps 4:6), “You, Yourself light my lamp” (Ps 18:28), “Yah is my light and my deliverance” (Ps 27:1), “Your word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path” (Ps 119:105).

You may recall other references to “light” such as, we have been set apart to be a light to the nations (Is 42:6, 49:6), we are told to be a light to the world (Matt 5:14), and to let our light shine (Matt 5:16). Further, we are told that John came to bear witness to the Light in John 1 and noted that “the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it” nor can the darkness ever overcome it. Yeshua proclaimed that He was the light of the world (John 8:12, 12:46) and that he who follows Yeshua would not walk in darkness. And what was it that stopped Paul on the road to Damascus (Acts 9:3)? A light!

In order for us to “see” (vision) we need light which dispels the darkness to reveal things to our sight/things hidden, so to speak. Revealing both the good and bad, the beauty and the ugly. And we, as His creation have the capacity to “see” because He has given us eyes to see (Prov. 29:13). What we do with what we “see” is what brings us into His presence or separates us from Him presence.

So, we are faced with a question today as the darkness seems to get thicker and thicker around us. Is His light in us? Do we let that light shine or hide it? Do we have a ready answer for why we are unafraid? Are we standing firm in our faith when chaos surrounds us? There is an old tune that says “it only takes a spark to get a fire going” … a fire … a light … and when one light shines others are attracted to it and soon other lights shine creating more and more light. So, come on and “let your little light shine”!