I was recently watching my grandchildren hold sparklers at night that lit up our front yard.

Such fun! Such joy!

But as I watched, I thought about all of the people who live in “darkness” … with no joy or hope.

True light comes from Jesus.
“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

In a world where so many live in “darkness”, Jesus asks us to be a light for others.
It is both a privilege and a huge responsibility to carry His light out into our lives.
“There are two ways to spread God’s light:
to be the candle or the mirror that reflects it.”
Edith Wharton

And, as Kathy Trocolli sings so beautifully,
“Carry your candle, run to the darkness
Seek out the lonely, the tired and worn
Hold our your candle for all to seeit
Take your candle, and go light your world
Take your candle, and go light your world.”

In a world where so many people feel “broken” and discouraged, it is important to remember that it is through our “brokenness”, that the light of Jesus enters, as long as we are open to it.

At a recent family reunion, two of my children and I spent a lot of time reflecting on how we could better bring the light of Jesus to others… through prayer, becoming more aware of other people’s pain, and making an effort to be better Christians. I can always try harder to become a better person… and

“With faith, all things are possible.”
Matthew 19:26

Even the animals can teach us important lessons:
“Faith is the bird that feels the light when the dawn is still dark.”
Rabindranath Tagone

I thank God for my faith and for the hope that Jesus brings to any darkness in our lives.

And all of this came to me through my grandchildren’s small hands, grasping the ends of their sparklers.

“God is light. In Him there is no darkness at all.”
1John1:5