Matthew 5:14-16

The old Lamplighter walked down the street with his nightly task. From lamp to lamp the town grew brighter. A child said to her Mother, “Look Mommy, He is punching holes in the dark!” We can thank God for everyone who had a part in punching holes in the darkness of our night. As Christians, it is up to us; we are to be the Lamplighter in this present darkness.

On any Sunday I can look out over the congregation and see many candles at different stages. Some are new lights that have recently been touched by the light of Christ. A few have grown short by faithfully burning the flame for a long time. They come in all shapes and sizes; and when they assemble together the light is bright, and God is glorified.

Sure there are many sources of light, but we keep candles for a reason. The electricity goes off, batteries get weak and people just might need a glow of hope in their lives. “This little light of mine, I’m going to let it shine…” In a world of bright lights it might be tempting to think that candles and Christians are outdated, a thing of the past. Don’t believe it for a minute; the light of Christ will be around when all the others are gone. This world still needs the consistent glow of Christ to be seen in our daily lives.

As a Christians our old life has been buried with Christ. We have been raised a new people; and have been given an eternal flame. Sin can leave a lot of soot on our lamp; and Lent is a good time for some cleaning to make sure that it keeps on shining and will never go out.

There is a hymn that prays, “May we be a shining light to the nations; a shining light to the peoples of the earth, till the whole world sees the glory of your name. May your pure light shine through us.”