The Light of Christ..

I could have chosen an image of a reflection in a mirror, or that of the landscape on the water of a mountain lake to get us thinking about - do we reflect the light of Christ in our lives?

Instead I am sharing an image of a photograph I recently took when visiting the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona. Gaudi I understand, in his designs to make the walls

of the temple lighter wanted to capture the natural light, to symbolise Jesus Christ, the light of the world. Looking up at these windows, I could not but stop and look at the beautiful scene, the light on the stained glass producing wonderful rays of colour and awe....I felt that indeed that I was indeed in the

presence of Jesus, a moment of significance, an experience so real.

So do we reflect the light of Christ in our lives...do people see something in us of Jesus as we talk, as we walk and act, does Jesus' love shine for others that they can see the Glory of God through us?...

Matthew 5:14 (NIV) reminds us that "You are the light of the world"..and (v16) let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven".

Today, I am challenged to examine my heart, to reflect on whether the batteries of my soul and strength are fully charged, have I turned the lights off or shut the curtains, am I hiding in the darkness or does my light shine brightly, with my full beam on, offering hope, encouragement and love to others.

It is so easy in this broken world to give up, be downtrodden, to despair, to lack understanding, fall down and yet Christ, our light, offers to ease our burdens and we can do the same for others by being bold in our faith, sharing our love of Jesus, acting generously with our time, to be a listening ear....to live our lives as God intended, to be thankful in all things..

© Stephen Allen Mar 2023