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 5:15 KJV
Christmas candlelight services are a tradition that people enjoy sharing with their family and friends. Typically, everyone is given a candle, which ends up being lit by another person’s burning candle. As the candles are lit, they burn brightly against the dimmed setting. This symbolizes the light of Christ spreading from person to person and illuminating the world. Eugene Patterson paraphrases Matthew 5:14-15 (MSG), “…You’re here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We’re going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you don’t think I’m going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I’m putting you on a light stand. Now that I’ve put you there…—shine! ”Relating to Matthew 5:14-16, the NIV Application Commentary notes, “Jesus’ disciples possess kingdom life, which produces good deeds from a changed life. Bearing the light of the gospel in both message and life will bring people to know that the kingdom of heaven truly is in the world….”When candlelight services conclude, as Christians, we need to keep our candle, the Light of Christ, burning within our souls in the pursuit of sharing Christ with others. Shine on!
Lord, thanks for being the Light of the world.
Whoever follows You won’t walk in darkness but will have the Light of life. Holy Spirit, burn within my soul, causing darkness to flee and Christlikeness to shine brighter through me to others.