Living lights

A couple years ago while living in PA, I had the incredible pleasure of watching "lightning bugs” - they seemed to fill the trees behind my house, giving the trees a blinking Christmas light look.  Even on the darkest summer night, I could see their small lights filling up the trees.  I loved to sit on a bench and watch the "show".  It’s like a natural fireworks display without all the noise and pollution!

The tiny creatures use the flashing of their “lights” to communicate with other fireflies and attract a mate. The process of the flashing light, called bioluminescence, involves a reaction between several chemicals in their bodies and the oxygen they breathe. God built into them a natural way of creating and communicating with light that helps ensure that the species lives on from generation to generation.

In Matthew 5:14–16, Jesus says, “You are the light of the world. A city 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 men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.”

God has given us a way to communicate with a light, as well. As Christians, we are to lift up Jesus in our lives, so that He can be seen by other people who then will be drawn to Him. In these days of uncertainty and confusion in the world, one thing remains true: Jesus is the Light of the world (see John 8:12 ). He wants us to share our saving knowledge of Him with others—at work and beyond. God has given us His light to bring generation after generation into His family.