Each year on Christmas Eve, we have a candle-lighting service at our church. It is something I’ve come to love. And here’s why.
My own spiritual journey began when a little boy shared Christ with me. I ended up in a street mission where I got saved. That boy carried God’s flame to me, and my darkness was illuminated.
As a result, I shared the gospel with some of my friends. Half of them abandoned me, the other half gave their lives to Christ. And then they shared Christ with others.
It’s amazing how quickly the light spreads from reaching one soul. When you share Christ with someone, a rippling effect takes place.
You and I are to be carriers of His light in our homes, in our workplaces, at our schools, in our neighborhoods, to our nation and to the world. Jesus says to us all, “Let your light so shine before men” (Matthew 5:16). By our words and our actions, you and I are to let our light shine.
God doesn’t have a Plan B to reach the world. We’re it. We’re Plan A. It’s His Church. It’s His people.
Each year’s candle lighting service is such a great reminder of the impact you and I can have when we share the gospel with others…how the light of the gospel can penetrate the darkness that is engulfing our world.
I love it when the ushers in each section light just one candle. And then each person lights one candle next to them. Oh my, the light spreads so quickly!
As I watch the light spread, I imagine every candle represents a precious soul for whom Christ died. It’s such a beautiful sight.
“The LORD my God,” King David said, “will enlighten my darkness” (Psalm 18:28). And oh, Jesus has done that for us!
Jesus said, “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house” (Matthew 5:14–15).
This Christmas season, let me encourage you to share your light by writing a letter to someone you love…or having a word with your neighbor over the fence…or giving somebody a Christmas card with Scripture in it.
I want to encourage you to look for opportunities to be used by God. You never know how God will use you.
You may have a friend who’s been on your heart. Maybe you should give them a call and tell them in your own words, in your own way, “You know, I was thinking about you, and you need to know God loves you.”
It may open up an opportunity to share the gospel with them. Or for you to share your story with them. You never know what might happen.
My prayer is that you will be inspired to live out and grow in your faith each day.
Lord, we thank You that You’ve illuminated our darkness, and we ask You to use us to bring the light of Your gospel to others in our families, in our workplaces, in our schools, in our communities, in our nation, and around the world.
May peace reign over your household in Jesus’ name.
