Section 2: People of the Light
A film camera is one of my favorite examples of the significance of light. The How Stuff Works website explains it this way: “To capture an image, you have to keep the film in complete darkness until it’s time to take the picture. Then, when you want to record an image, you let some light in. At its most basic level, this is all the body of a camera is—a sealed box with a shutter that opens and closes between the lens and film.”
There are no photographs without light. It makes things visible through the reflective mechanism of a camera.
As we’ve been learning throughout this season, Jesus is the Light of the World. We are called, then, to act as the reflective mechanism. Like the song says, “This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine.”
Many times I sang this simple children’s song, did the hand motions, and enjoyed it. If you had asked me to explain what it means, I would probably have said we need to tell other people about Jesus. While that’s true, age and experience have taught me that there’s a lot of individual nuance in the telling, or the “shining,” if you will.
Each of us, unique from one another with our personalities and circumstances, reflects the same source of light. We are called to be obvious and clear in our love for Jesus, to not hide our affection for Him, because our actions point others toward God (Matthew 5:16). But because we are each created with specific giftings and circumstances, the “shining” will look different. It might entail cooking someone a meal, writing an encouraging note, or helping a neighbor with yard work. Our actions are meant to be evidence that God “is working in you both to will and to work according to His good purpose” (Philippians 2:13). In acting in obedience, we will “shine like stars in the world” (v.14).
We can find encouragement in these words when we struggle with the surrounding world that so often fails to acknowledge God. It is Christ working in us that we are reflecting. He is the light that shines to those around us, and He is making us into a reflection of His image in our specific giftings and circumstances. This Advent, be glad and rejoice that you are invited, called, and equipped to live as a reflection of the one, true Light!
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75 thoughts on "Reflecting the Light"
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This little light of mine I’m going to let it shine everywhere I go I’m going to let it shine let it shine let it shine let it shine! Lord let us be light in all areas of our lives Jesus purify us so you may be glorified!
Such a great reminder for the new year!
This is good. I found one way to be salt and light to my friends. To HOPE. To speak about something I look forward to, and that is, seeing Jesus. Many people around me are looking for hope, and they try to find it in family or things. In a world searching for hope and light, and you stick out like a sore thumb if you’ve Found it! I feel very unworthy to even belong to him, but I think that’s the way I’ve always been.
Praying for you Lilly. I can relate to how you feel.
May I reflect Christ to my students each and every day.
I love that during my “good deeds” other people are able to see the light from Jesus.
Shine, Jesus, shine! Fill this land with the Father’s glory…. As we gaze on your kingly brightness
So our faces display your likeness
Ever changing from glory to glory
Mirrored here may our lives tell your story…. Amen!
I just moved & it can be hard to reflect Christ & not be shamed for it in this culture. I really enjoyed the beatitudes in Matthew 5 that talk about being pure in heart, humble in spirit, etc. it helped me realize that having a pure heart or being different isn’t a bad thing because God made me that way in order to reflect Him. I hope to be a light to others in the way I serve my community through teaching ESL. I love my job and I love working with my students. I pray they see the love of Christ in me and that I can be a blessing to them.
I want to reflect Jesus to my family, friends, coworkers and neighbors. I fall short of this goal and become discouraged- but continue on persevering. I have to trust that He will bless what I bring and somehow use it for His glory.
When you decided to follow JESUS, the Holy Spirit was deposited IN you. Pray, to the Holy Spirit and activate it. He is your helper and your counselor. praying for you ♥️
We are invited, called, and equipped to shine the light of JESUS onto others ⭐️
I’m struggling with genuine joy and feeling the presence of God with me…. Please pray for me.
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I am praying God helps me to be a light to my family. I am homeschooling 6 of our children and 5 of them are teens, so there are a lot of emotions everyday. My husband and I have a lot of adult children also and some are married. There are many people to love and I am so grateful and blessed and want to do right by them as best I can in the power of Jesus.
Marilyn Rincon I have heard others recommend BSF- Bible study fellowship. I have not done it myself but heard good things. Lexi B praying for you I am sorry for this compound loss. Sarah praying for you also.
Praying for you tonight. ❤️
Also looking for one!
Sarah Burckhard, so sorry for your loss, definitely prayers coming your way.
The darker the world becomes, the brighter we are called to shine. I pray I would shine so brightly for him. I love how we can all shine uniquely for God. I pray that God would show me how he wants me to shine today.
Praying for you Sarah. I’m am so sorry for your loss. I will pray the Lord gives you His peace, comfort and joy in the midst of your pain.
“… the truth is in Jesus…” Eph. 4:21.
It is this foundational fact that we are to shine forth in this world. We who know are called to go. We can fan the flame with prayer, study and meditation. We become firestarters when we share the Light within us. May it become a blazing bonfire which cannot be contained. All to the glory of God.
I love reading this within such a big community <3 hope everyone has a great day
Praying for you, Sarah. May God give you peace. May He restore your joy. May He comfort you with His presence.
Need prayer. This time of the year is hard on me due to the loss of my 3 children. Thank you for your prayers.
ERB thanks for sharing your prayer requests. I will be praying for your friends and brother and for you
The scripture that jumped out at me today is in Ephesians 4:19, “(those in darkness) indulge…with a continual lust for more.”
Amidst this consumer-centric, over-consumptive, works-based time of year those of us who abide in Christ know that HE is all we need to fill and satisfy the God-sized void in our lives.
To quote the great theologian Dr. Seuss, ‘Maybe Christmas doesn’t come from a store. Maybe, just maybe, Christmas means a little bit more.”
LORI, AG and everyone else who frets about their ability to share the gospel: do not underestimate the power of your story. What God has done – and is doing – in your lives is a testimony to his grace, mercy, and power of sanctification. No one can argue with that or take that away from you.
Sarah D praying for you and your work anxiety. I know it well.
ANGIE thank you for the reminder that spiritual forces are at play in so many of our stressful/challenging circumstances and relationships. I needed that perspective shift. SEARCHING thank you for your prayers…I think I should stick to silent prayers for patience and keep my mouth shut – who even knows what might slip out once it’s open ;)
In acting in obedience, we will “shine like stars in the world” (v.14).
“We can find encouragement in these words when we struggle with the surrounding world that so often fails to acknowledge God. It is Christ working in us that we are reflecting. He is the light that shines to those around us, and He is making us into a reflection of His image in our specific giftings and circumstances. This Advent, be glad and rejoice that you are invited, called, and equipped to live as a reflection of the one, true Light!” Beautiful post, Jennifer Redmond!
Adding my “in Jesus Name” to each prayer request spoken or unspoken.
HEIDI, ‘light shaming’ indeed! Like ANGIE mentioned, there is enough dirt being thrown at our ‘fire’ without us kicking sand at it, too. The good news is that if the LIGHT is from Jesus, no one can snuff it out! Thank you, SHES
, for the beauty in your sharing today!
I love the Beautitudes! I am a visual learner so one of my favorite versions of this sermon is from the Chosen. Here is the link if you wanna watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=02hbIq7rFDs
Kelly- Go forth and twinkle. I love this!
Melanie- Praying for you during this season.
ERB- Praying for your brothers finals, your friends who are facing possible legal action and your best friend who has experienced such great loss. May Jesus be found in all of these situations. May you be a light in their lives in this difficult time.
Sarah D- Praying for you and your anxiety. May God wrap you up and give you the comfort you need. May you rest in Him.
Ladies I have a prayer need myself. As I close out my uncles estate, I learned on Tuesday that my father died. Had a very complicated relationship with him and just trying to process all this loss. One of my older siblings is taking it exceptionally hard which is understandable, so we are trying to support her, while still grieving my uncle. Thank you for being such a wonderful community and a community of prayer :)
The verse that stood out for me in this bible study is “Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness sake.”
I think being persecuted for preaching Jesus, while tough, is a blessing in its own way. Telling the truth about Jesus is something so beautiful.. and to take all of that backlash by others FOR Him is so worth it. ALL that I am is for Jesus, if He wanted me to be put on the front lines for Him, how could I say no? Sufferings are (at least in my view) little hugs and kisses from Jesus. The more broken we are, the more we allow Jesus to fix us. I love Him so much
Happy Thursday SRT. I loved the MSG translation of Matthew 5:13-14. “Let me tell you why you’re here. You’re here to be salt-seasoning that brings out the God-flavors of this earth. Here’s another way to put it: You’re here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world”.
The God-flavors & the God colors. <3
The website has the correct Devo for today!
They have a mistake on the app. It has the correct scriptures and author but they have accidentally copied the devotional text from yesterday. The correct devotional text is on the website and hopefully they’ll get the app corrected soon.
Here’s the link! Thanks Erin and Lauren : SheReadsTruth.com/reflecting-the-light
Wanted to put this closer to the top- here’s the link to today’s devotional (thanks Erin and Lauren!): SheReadsTruth.com/reflecting-the-light ✨
That was my thought too…
I absolutely love the podcast with Lisa Harper! What she said about how the Holy Spirit came upon Mary and how the Greek word was very unique and specific and also used to describe how the Holy Spirit came to the church as Jesus gift on his departure blew my mind! I was just wondering if anybody knows if there’s any ties to how God formed Adam and eve at creation that links to this too?? Scripture is so living and transformational I cannot believe how educational God is in showing himself through it!!!
@Melanie – I don’t know the challenges with your son, but I do know the feelings of another challenging week. My daughter is autistic. She’s such a GIFT, wonderfully made my our Creator. However, some days and weeks are exceptionally draining.
My prayer for you – May the God of HOPE fill you with all JOY AND PEACE AS YOU TRUST IN HIM so that you may OVERFLOW WITH HOPE by the power of the Holy Spirit (Rom 15:13). Amen.
I don’t know the challenges with your son, but I do know the feelings of another challenging week. My daughter is autistic. She’s such a GIFT, wonderfully made my our Creator. However, some days and weeks are exceptionally draining.
My prayer for you – May the God of HOPE fill you with all JOY AND PEACE AS YOU TRUST IN HIM so that you may OVERFLOW WITH HOPE by the power of the Holy Spirit (Rom 15:13). Amen.
I don’t know the challenges with your son, but I do know the feelings of another challenging week. My daughter is autistic. She’s such a GIFT, wonderfully made my our Creator. However, some days and weeks are exceptionally draining.
Is this the same devotional from yesterday?
That’s what I think. Hopefully, someone who sees our post can fix it.
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@HEIDI – I have been feeling very weak and tired after an exhausting fall into Christmas season. My light has felt dim as I want to keep shining with very little power left. That idea of “light shaming” struck a cord with me as I want so badly to bring light and joy into the world, but I’m running on low battery. Thanks for the reminder to be gentle with myself. I probably need to hear that every day unfortunately.
My little light DOES shine regardless of how I feel. I just realized that offering my few watts to the Source allows Him to multiply it as He so miraculously does.
Amen. I want to reflect Your light Lord Jesus.
Praying we would shine his light in all we say and do, and that others would come to know him through him shine through us. When I look at the Christmas lights now, it all reminds me of the beauty of light piercing the darkness. Praise God for Jesus, piercing the darkness and conquering sin and death once and for all.
If you all could be praying for me, I’ve been feeling pretty anxious at work during the time that I’ve been there. It’s a lot of learning on the job (while I have a parent on hold) and I wish I wasn’t feeling so anxious throughout the day. I’m definitely getting better at knowing what to do, but I think I am anxious because I’m afraid I’ll mess up and am conscious of what others think of me. I think God is really going to use this job to help my anxiety, but it’s rough. It is definitely coming out in physical ways too (sweating/heart rate up). I would love to go see a counselor at some point, but not sure I can afford it at the moment. Prayers appreciated that I would have confidence and work from a place of rest in Christ, knowing that my identity and joy is in him!
Heidi thank you for your comments. Kelly I’m going to work on “twinkling” as bright as I can. ✨ Blessings She’s and thank you for shining your lights on me each day.
Praying that my light will shine and glorify the Lord today. Amen!!
You have to go to the website. Also Lauren and Erin have listed the link to it.
I did notice that while the teaching is the same a yesterday, there is a different picture at the end. Could this be purposeful?
I think there is (to a degree) too much emphasis on “how bright” our light is. Just like being awakened at 2:30am by ALL the lights suddenly flipped on in your room, “blaring” out light at others is offensive and counterproductive. Light is light. Living in His truth, allowing our words and actions in our everyday situations to be reflective of his kindness and peace and joy- all of this produces “light” in the darkness of the world. I fully trust he will use the light I have for his good work in others- and in me- but before we go “light shaming” ourselves, we need to take a step back and recognize that wherever we find ourselves today, THAT light will pierce the darkness and create opportunities for MORE light to flood in. It’s a daily process- God shows immense patience with us- let’s do the same with ourselves and others.
Thank you for this study. My heart is full, is finding rest, and yet being challenged at the same time. What a blessing to look forward to reading God’s Word in new way every day.
I do not openly share about my faith as much as I should. My closer friends know I am a believer and others as well, but I am praying God will show me how I am meant to do this and give me the opportunity
I think evil puts as much on us as he is able during this time of the celebration of the birth of our Messiah and Savior, Jesus Christ. My students, their families, friends, immediate and extended family. While I am trying to bring forth the light of Jesus birth and the celebration of Christmas, there is intense effort to steal our joy. A basket is being thrust upon our light that has to be pushed away. My salt needs to stay salty. How important it is to be light today, tomorrow, every day. But, my heart does break. I covet God’s care over my students who are in such terrible situations. I covet God’s care over broken relationships, illnesses, every day struggles. I pray Lord for eyes that are open to see and follow the Light, and that the Light, would then reflect off of me. Thank you Savior for these beautiful SRT ladies and your presence in their lives. Guide them step by step in this time. Draw them close. Give them peace and hope. May those who are able hold up the arms of those who are weary. In unity and worship we give you praise our One and only Wise King, Savior, and Lord. Amen.
Prayed and praised through last night’s posts…and will be lifting you many times today Melanie. Blessings, in the name of Jesus.
I would love to ask for prayer…
for my brother, who is finishing up a very stressful semester with his masters OT program. He has a big test today and another HUGE one tomorrow!!! Please pray that God goes before him and that he will have peace!! Also pray for wisdom, discernment and memory retention!!
for some family friends..they felt God prompting them to take in a specific homeless person (Cheryl) and she is now threatening them with legal action. It’s a pretty scary situation… please pray for guidance, for wisdom, for protection and for God’s assurance!!!
for one of my closest friends… she found out last night that her best friend’s husband committed suicide. She is understandably very upset and sad, and she (& the man’s family) need prayer!! As an fyi, none of the people involved in this situation are believers so please pray for them! May they feel God and His presence as well as His comfort.
Thank you so much dear sisters!! ❤️❤️❤️
MELANIE – praying for the situatiin with your son and the mental health of your daughter. how is your recovery coming along? How is your dad?
AG – thanks for the update
KAREN – glad your daughter has other friend groups! Will continue to pray her light overcomes the darkness of her school situation.
KENZIE REVELL – how is your grandmother?
Sitting here in the early morning semi darkness, with a cup of coffee and the glow from my iPad, surrounded by peace and quiet. Loved reading yesterday that I’m not the only one to study this way.
Today’s Scriptures are a reminder to me that as a Christian, what people see me do and hear me say matters – may I reflect Christ’s love and light to them.
SUSA-Hi & welcome!
PAMC-thank you for the Fran update, praying for a quick recovery & release. Also praying for your sister, that she processes what you said as you meant it and will realize that emphasis/pride in the “dark side” is a dangerous, slippery slope.
RACHEL – will it be muttering, or praying Lord give me patience? :) Praying all goes smoothly this weekend and His Light shines through you throughout this time
MICHELLE TULLY- so true!
GROWING FAITH-thankful for sister’s good report, continuing to pray for her and baby
KAREN-praying for your daughter and glad she’s seeing an end to middle school. No one called it bullying way back when I went through it, but they should have.
I know deep in my heart that God will open the doors to share my faith with others when its the right time but I do feel like I don’t do it enough, that I lose courage when the opportunity arises. My husband is not an active believer and even with him, there’s been so many times I’ve tried and failed that I get discouraged and frankly, avoid it because it’s so hard. Praying that as we go into this Advent season Jesus will open these doors and put the people in front of me (and make it obvious). I know in the end its the Holy Spirit, not me who will make it happen.
@melanie you are in my prayers. ❤️
Thanks Lauren & Erin for the link for today’s devotional. ♥️
These are the scriptures that I highlighted today:
Ephesians 5:1-2 “Therefore, be imitators of God, as dearly loved children, 2 and walk in love, as Christ also loved us and gave Himself for us, a sacrificial and fragrant offering to God.
Ephesians 5:6-17 LIGHT VERSUS DARKNESS
6 Let no one deceive you with empty arguments, for God’s wrath is coming on the disobedient because of these things. 7 Therefore, do not become their partners. 8 For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light—9 for the fruit of the light consists of all goodness, righteousness, and truth—10 testing what is pleasing to the Lord. 11 Don’t participate in the fruitless works of darkness, but instead expose them. 12 For it is shameful even to mention what is done by them in secret. 13 Everything exposed by the light is made visible, 14 for what makes everything visible is light. Therefore it is said: Get up, sleeper, and rise up from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.
CONSISTENCY IN THE CHRISTIAN LIFE
15 Pay careful attention, then, to how you walk—not as unwise people but as wise—16 making the most of the time, because the days are evil. 17 So don’t be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.”
Ephesians 4:17-32 “LIVING THE NEW LIFE: Therefore, I say this and testify in the Lord: You should no longer walk as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thoughts. 18 They are darkened in their understanding, excluded from the life of God, because of the ignorance that is in them and because of the hardness of their hearts. 19 They became callous and gave themselves over to promiscuity for the practice of every kind of impurity with a desire for more and more. 20 But that is not how you came to know Christ, 21 assuming you heard about Him and were taught by Him, as the truth is in Jesus, 22 to take off your former way of life, the old self that is corrupted by deceitful desires, 23 to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, 24 and to put on the new self, the one created according to God’s likeness in righteousness and purity of the truth.
25 Therefore, putting away lying, speak the truth, each one to his neighbor, because we are members of one another. 26 Be angry and do not sin. Don’t let the sun go down on your anger, 27 and don’t give the devil an opportunity.
Ephesians 4:30-31 “ And don’t grieve God’s Holy Spirit. You were sealed by Him for the day of redemption. 31 Let all bitterness, anger and wrath, shouting and slander be removed from you, along with all malice.
Mathew 5:14-16 “You are the light of the world. A city situated on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 No one lights a lamp and puts it under a basket, but rather on a lampstand, and it gives light for all who are in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.”
Philippians 2:14-16 “Do everything without grumbling and arguing, 15 so that you may be blameless and pure, children of God who are faultless in a crooked and perverted generation, among whom you shine like stars in the world, 16 by holding firm to the word of life. Then I can boast in the day of Christ that I didn’t run or labor for nothing.”
Be Blessed today sisters!
PAM C – great to hear all went well with Fran! Praying she has a speedy recovery.
Challenge for the day – go forth and twinkle ;)
I feel
I’m not reflecting enough light. I am so tried and drained. Praying for joy as I go through today. I was given the gift of my son 13 years ago. It’s been a hard week again. God help us
https://shereadstruth.com/reflecting-the-light/
Link to website reading if anyone was unable to find the reading for today since it isn’t showing up in the app
Website link for todays devotional: https://shereadstruth.com/reflecting-the-light/
Amen
Thank you, Thes, for sharing.
I thought about something I found while reading your post. It is a writing called: An Inoffensive Gospel is no Gospel at All. Some may think that this sounds harsh at first, but this is worth reading. The world is dark, and the author of the article said that the true Gospel is offensive to sinful human beings. The Here is link: https://sbcvoices.com/an-inoffensive-gospel-is-no-gospel-at-all/
Here are some links to teachings about the Gospel by Voddie Bauchman called: What is the Gospel and one by John MacAuthor called: The Nonnegotiable Gospel.
https://youtu.be/B32BgQHFB-U
https://youtu.be/Jw3h3Vie73w
Thank You, God for Your calling out of darkness into Your wonderful light. Please, in Your mercy draw the lost to You and to salvation. Amen.
Prayer for you all today.
Hi she’s I foundon’t a sweet and simply explanationot, I thought I’ll share;
A key thought in both the pictures of salt and light is distinction. Salt is needed because the world is rotting and decaying, and if our Christianity is also rotting and decaying, it won’t be any good. Light is needed because the world is in darkness, and if our Christianity imitates the darkness, we have nothing to show the world. To be effective we must seek and display the Christian distinctive. We can never affect the world for Jesus by becoming like the world.
Have a day full of peace wit has and from God!
She reads truth, the app is showing the same teaching today from yesterday rather than this one here on the website.
We’re sorry about that! The app has now been updated. So glad you’re reading with us Rebecca! -The SRT Team
Hi!
There must be a mistake. The teaching is the same as yesterday.
Thanks for letting us know and the app has now been updated. We’re so grateful that you’re here reading with us! -The SRT Team
Hi!