The Mirror of the Word by C.E. White can be purchased here: https://www.amazon.com/Mirror-Word-Devotions-Reveal-Refine/dp/B0DFZS83C7  To learn more about this author and other works, visit https://cewhitebooks.com/

“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Your light must shine before people in such a way that they may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven.”

—Matthew 5:14–16

It’s easy to despair as the world grows darker. But have you ever watched a lampstand as a sunny day shifts to dusk and on into night? At first, it’s hard to tell whether the light is even on; the brightness of the daylight obscures it and makes it seem unnecessary. 

When twilight comes, the lights become noticeable; they no longer blend into the bright background. They might not yet feel crucial; we can still make out enough of the landscape to get by. 

But when true darkness comes, the lights become our lifeline. If we’re lost in the woods, they lead us home. If we’re sailing the seas, they warn us of rocks and land. If we hear a noise, they show us the truth of what’s approaching. 

When the world is dark, our good works show people the way home to God, warn them when they near danger, and reveal truth when it’s hard to tell friend from foe. We reveal the hand of God and shine his hope, protection, and truth out into the world, bringing others to faith in him. 

We sometimes despair that no one wants the light, but it’s more essential and gleams even brighter when all the world is darkness.

Don’t stop shining. When the world is black, people are more aware of their need for the light than ever. 

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