Illuminating the World

Illuminating the World
“I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life” (John 8:12 NIV)

In 1879, Thomas Edison would make on of the greatest inventions ever. Edison was not the first light bulb inventor, but he would be the most successful one. His story of inventing a workable incandescent light bulb for indoor use is remarkable. In the period from 1878 to 1880 Edison and his associates worked on at least three thousand different theories to develop an efficient incandescent lamp in the basement laboratory of Edison’s home. While other inventors would perfect Edison’s lamp, his invention would literally bring light to the world.

In 1882, the first Christmas tree was lit by the use of electricity. Edward Johnson lighted up a Christmas tree in New York City with eighty small electric light bulbs. It should be noted that Edward Johnson created the first string of electric Christmas lights that were then mass produced around 1890. By 1900, department stores started using the new Christmas lights for their Christmas displays.

For many, Christmas is all about bright lights. While colorful lights adorn trees and homes, their use symbolizes a deeper message of the season-a hopeful light in a dark world. Today, while Edison’s bulb illuminates the homes of mankind and Johnson’s outdoor bulbs cover Christmas trees, it’s Jesus Christ who illuminates the hearts of humanity. Jesus said in John 8:12, that “I am the light of the world.”

So, what light do you believe in?

Whenever you are challenged by an environment that is corrupt and ungodly, you have an opportunity to let your light shine before those in that culture. We may have little control of those around us or of events which dominate the headlines. But what we do have control over is letting Christ work through us, illuminating those around us. The more corrupt a culture, the brighter your light should shine.