During the Feast of Tabernacles, the Jews had a ceremony of lights. They lit huge golden candlesticks with golden bowls on them and placed them in the Temple area in the Court of the Women. These lights illuminated all of Jerusalem.

Chapter 8 of Book IV of the classic work The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah by Alfred Edersheim, tells us in this connection that the term "light" was specially applied to the Messiah.

It was in this context that Jesus Christ clearly indicated that he was the Messiah when he said I am the light of the world, as recorded in John 8:12 (KJV). Christians are called to reflect the light of Jesus Christ to the world and to help spread the gospel to all the world.

We Are to Walk in the Light

We have been called by God the Father to walk in the light of his truth as the apostle John shows in I John 1:5-7:

"5This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. 6If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: 7But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin." (KJV)

God has given all power in heaven and earth to Jesus Christ, who is head of the Church. Jesus Christ has given his disciples the great commission of spreading the light of the gospel to all nations. We must follow the light of Jesus Christ because a good example is important in fulfilling our calling to make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:18-20).

Although Satan may appear as an angel of light, the true light comes from Jesus Christ and the Word of God. They light our path so that we can follow where the light leads with boldness. We are to study Gods Word diligently so that we can see the true light for our journey.

We need the light of Gods Word to guide us in our daily lives at school, at work, in the home, and in the church. We must admit our sins when the light shows us that we are off course, seek Gods forgiveness, and ask Him for a course correction. Sometimes the course we are following seems to be good, but we must be willing to change course as we better understand the Word of God.

We must walk in the light by faith. We must grow in grace and knowledge so that we can better reflect the light of Christ to others (II Peter 3:18).

We Are to Be Lights to the World

Jesus Christ instructs us to be lights as recorded in Matthew 5:14-16

"14Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. 15Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. 16Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven." (KJV)

Jesus Christ, the source of light, tells us that we also are to be sources of light. However, the light does not originate with us. We can only reflect the true light that comes from Jesus Christ.

Our good works light the path for others. Nothing teaches others better than does a good example.

People usually do not care how much we know about the Bible. However, they are moved by our example and how much we care about them as shown by our good works.

What are some of the ways that we can reflect the light of Jesus Christ through good works? Our good works do not have to be major events or cost a great deal of money. Little things mean a lot. A card, letter, or telephone call can help to brighten someones day. Prayer for those who are sick is something we all can do.

When and Why They Will Glorify God

People who see the good works of Christians will glorify God in the day of visitation as the apostle Peter wrote in I Peter 2:12:

"12Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation." (KJV)

The day of visitation is when God calls them and begins to work with them. They will glorify God in the day of visitation when they view the good works they have seen from Christians more closely. They will see that God is the source of their light.

As we navigate our ships through lifes stormy seas, we should keep our eyes on Jesus Christ the true lighthouse. We should walk in the light of Jesus Christ and the Bible and reflect it to others. We should keep our eyes on the mission of helping to shine the light of the good news of the Kingdom of God to all the world.

Alan D Campbell

Alan D Campbell holds CPA licenses in Florida and Arkansas. He is also a Certified Management Accountant and Certified Financial Planner certificant. He is also admitted to practice before the United States Tax Court. He has a Ph.D. in accounting from the University of North Texas with an emphasis in taxation.

He teaches an online class called "Finance and Accounting for the Nonfinancial Manager" for Villanova University in association with Bisk Education. He also advises the Business Environment and Concepts section of the Bisk CPA Review online for Bisk Education.

He is a co-author of the book Tax Strategies for the Self-Employed, which is published by CCH Incorporated. He is also the revision editor of CCH Financial and Estate Planning Guide, 15th edition. He has published articles on tax topics in The Tax Adviser, Taxes--The Tax Magazine, Taxation for Accountants, The CPA Journal, Tax Notes, Trusts & Estates, and The National Public Accountant.