A Small Light

Bible Reading: Matthew 5:13-16

“One, one-thousand, two, one-thousand, three, one-thousand, four…” James counted as lightning streaked across the sky. He cringed a little as a loud crash of thunder split the air. “I’m counting to see how many seconds there are between the lightning and the thunder,” he told his sister. “My science teacher says thunder and lightning happen together, but sound travels slower than light. You can figure out about how far away the lightning is because every second you count between them stands for about a quarter of a mile.”

Just then, an extra-brilliant streak of lightning seemed to cut the sky in two. BOOM! BaBOOM! A loud crash of thunder immediately shook the windows. Suddenly it was pitch dark in the house. “The lightning knocked out the electricity,” James announced.

Alice sighed. “I can’t see to read my book now.”

Mom came in with a lighted candle. “We’ll have to see by candlelight for a while,” she said, setting the candle on the table.

Soon the storm was over, but the electricity was not back on. “It’s still pretty dim for reading,” Alice said as she looked at the flickering light of the candle. “But I’m surprised at how much light that one little flame gives off.”

“You are the light of the world,” James suddenly blurted out. He grinned. “Last week’s Sunday school verse just popped into my head because of that candle!”

“I know that one too,” said Alice. “The verse I learned last week says to let our light shine. My teacher says we do that when we do things that point others to Jesus and show them His love, even if they’re just little things.”

“That’s good,” said James. “Because little things are all I can do.”

“They may seem small to you, but look what a difference one small candle makes,” said Mom. “It doesn’t matter how small a kindness seems—it can help shine the love Jesus has shown us into other people’s lives.”

Just then the lights came back on. “It’s good to have electricity again, but I’m glad it went out for a while,” Mom said. “I think it reminded us of something important!”

“That we have the light of Jesus in our lives?” James asked.

Mom nodded. “And that each loving thing we do helps us shine bright.”

-Carolyn E. Yost

How About You?

Are you letting your light shine for Jesus? Do you feel like there’s not much you can do to let it shine? That’s not true! Remember, it takes only one small flame to chase away the darkness. Obeying parents and teachers, being helpful and kind, forgiving others, being patient—these are just a few ways to let your light shine. Trust Jesus to let His love shine through you.

Today’s Key Verse: Matthew 5:16 (NIV) Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

Today’s Key Thought:

Let your light shine