Without light, we make decisions about what we cannot see

Until the power goes out and stays out, you don't realize how important light is. Light is not just a convenience; it is a necessity. Back in the days before electricity, a tightfisted old farmer was taking his hired man to task for carrying a lighted lantern when he went to call on his best girl.

"When I went a-courtin' I never carried one of them things. I always went in the dark," the farmer said.

"Yes," the hired man said, "and look what you got."

Without light, we all stumble around in the darkness, making decisions about what we cannot see. Light penetrates the darkness, guiding our souls as we venture into the unknown.

Taking a cave tour, you and a gaggle of other victims pay good money to follow a well-meaning guide into a dark hole. Most of the time tour caves are well-lit with nicely worn paths. At some point in the tour the guide gathers everyone together and turns out the lights revealing the blackest darkness imaginable. For a brief second you realize how important light is.

Light is a guide. The deepest deep of the ocean still remains a great mystery. Some of the images that have emerged reveal an ecosystem of creatures that live in complete darkness. The only light that they have comes from themselves. They use that light to find food, shelter and all they need. Without light to guide them, they would not survive.

Christians do not generate light on their own but reflect the light of the one to whom they have given their all. The gospel of John (1:4) reads, "In him was life and the life was the light of men." Light is reflected. It is the light of God being reflected through others that serves as a guide for life, an anchor for the soul. It is the light of God being reflected through others that breaks open the darkness revealing the hearts and intentions of men. It is the light of God being reflected through others that reveals the evil in our own lives. Light exposes hate, bigotry and prejudice. Reflect the light of God today.

Rob Hurtgen is a husband, father, minister and writer. Read more from him at www.robhurtgen.wordpress.com.