Shining Like A Christmas Light

For over twenty-five years, Wheeling and the Oglebay Resort have been the hosts to hundreds of thousands of visitors during the holiday season as they travel through the three hundred acre park and the beautiful displays of color and motion. This display is one of the nation's largest and the six mile drive through the lights brings AOLTravel's designation as one of the "10 Best Christmas Light Displays in the US." (oglebay-resort.com) The colorful lights flash their color into the dark West Virginia sky and at times the demand by the public leads to traffic jams of those wishing to be part of the festivities. The displays are being retro-fitted with LED lights to reduce the cost of electricity by as much as 85% and last five times longer than the former incandescent light bulbs.


Contrary to popular belief, Thomas Edison did not invent the light bulb but brought about changes in design which made the light bulb affordable. Edison discovered a filament in an oxygen-free environment lasted longer than previous light bulbs. "The gases are colorless, odorless, tasteless and nonflammable under normal conditions." (Wikipedia.org-Noble Gases) These gases surround the filament which heats to temperatures nearing four thousand plus degrees. It is in this atmosphere the glowing filament creates what we see as light.

“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house." (Matthew 5:14-15 NIV)

When I baptize someone, I say Matthew 5:14 handing them a lit candle in a holder as they leave reminding them they are now a light in this dark world. No one (God, himself)would give us light to hide it, but expects us to give the light of Christ to those around us. Like the filament in the inert atmosphere of the glass bulb, we live in the atmosphere of a sinful world which also does not support life. Our faith, walk, works, speech, and attitudes should glow brightly like the small lights at Oglebay so people can see them.

In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. (Matthew 5:16)

Years ago the Army taught us a sniper can see the glow of a cigarette from a great distance and how to protect yourself from the enemy. While we may think our efforts might not be seen, Jesus bids us to continue to let this light shine by our good deeds so the world will glorify God. Our efforts, combined with others, will bring glory to God. We are more than Christmas lights!  We are lights of CHRIST!