December 4, 2020

Today’s Hope
Written by Guest Writer, Joy Mathis Chadwick

Let me briefly introduce myself. My name is Joy Mathis Chadwick and I also write “The View From Granny’s Back Porch”. It is my honor and great blessing to be guest writing for Cyndi while she is out for the next couple of weeks.
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“Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.” Matthew 5:14-15 KJV

One of the many beautiful aspects of the Christmas season is the light displays, from the simple manger scenes to the elaborate displays made up of tens of thousands of brightly colored lights. I remember several years ago a family who lived in a large city near here went to such great lengths with their light displays that traffic would come to a standstill in front of their home. It felt in many ways that the beautiful intent had somehow been lost in all the brightness and commotion.

There are obviously no practical guidelines for light displays, for you will see not only mansions brightly shining to proclaim either the birth of Jesus or the arrival of Santa Claus, but you will also see old trailer houses with a string of lights haphazardly strung along the roof. The darker the night, the prettier the lights; the darkness hides what might not be so pretty; the lights focus your attention to the beautiful aspect of the display.

Jesus tells us that WE are the light of the world. There has been no greater need for the light of Jesus than in our world today. But we have to be careful about our lights; we need for those in darkness to see something in our life that makes a difference; that difference is Jesus Christ.

During this Christmas season and in all the days that follow, let’s evaluate our Christian light. Are we like a CANDLE that lights up the room around us but is vulnerable to influences that may snuff it out? Are we like a SPOTLIGHT that focuses on one thing only and doesn’t see the total person? Are we like a FLOODLIGHT that shines so strongly in people’s eyes that they are blinded rather than being enabled to see more clearly? Are we like a FLASHLIGHT that clicks on only in an emergency? Or are we like a CHANDELIER that shines with beauty and makes those around us look better?

During all the many Christmases I’ve experienced, perhaps my favorite light is that of a single candle, surrounded by simplistic greenery and displayed on a window sill. No matter what else may be going on in its dark surroundings, the lone candle can be seen bright and clear. That’s what I want – no matter what else may be going on in the dark circumstances of this crazy world, I want my light for Jesus to be seen bright and clear.

“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” Matthew 5:16 KJV