5 These twelve Jesus sent out with the following instructions: “Do not go among the Gentiles or enter any town of the Samaritans. 6 Go rather to the lost sheep of Israel. 7 As you go, proclaim this message: ‘The kingdom of heaven has come near.’ 8 Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons. Freely you have received; freely give.

Light serves basically two purposes - direct and indirect. First, is to look at the light or what it wants you to focus your attention on. A neon light or a lighthouse shine so people can look at the light and be guided by it. The other is to show things around like the light or lamp that helps us read or to see at night so we don’t fall or stumble into things.           

This is true of our good works. Since Jesus did good works, we follow His example. He healed the sick, fed the hungry, taught those who wanted truth. He blessed children and honored the downtrodden. He was a friend to the friendless and washed the feet of the disciples.           

Our actions and deeds allow the light of Jesus to spread. People hopefully see Jesus in acts of kindness that are done in His name by His people. Selfishness abounds. Selflessness is what Jesus is about. As we spread the light of Jesus, one way is to help those He would help to know the Spirit of God who will show them love that comes from above so they may come to know Him personally.

Good works for the believer is also from Christ. If we could point to the accomplishments of the apostles, Paul, Augustine, St. Francis and others, if we could combine the talents of Martin Luther, John Calvin, John Wesley, Dwight Moody, Mother Teresa, and Billy Graham, they would all form around Jesus and point to Him. For without Him we are nothing. He is the one who changes, motivates, and accomplishes His work through men and women willing to be used of God. He is truth.           

Who praises the hammer for the work of building a house? Who praises the paintbrush for the picture painted by an artist? When a marvelous piece is played by a composer on the piano, who comes and gives their praise to the piano?           

The light that shines is Jesus. We are but the tools to give glory to the One full of grace and truth.

Application:  Spread the Light!

Prayer:  Father God, as we celebrate the gift of Your Son, help us in all we do to shine for Him.  Teach me to crucify my selfish flesh within me.