Over the years, I have fallen in love with light as a photographer. I see it everywhere I place my eyes. I see the way it sparkles on water when the sun is setting. I see the soft glow of it through a wispy white curtain. The way it softens or harshens facial features. The way it changes and creates color. The way it weaves a story of its own.

But light is more than just what I can see.

Light can transfer energy from place to place.
Light has an infinite lifetime.
Light forms food. It grows us from infancy. It gives sight.
Light warms us. It gives us energy.
Light is used to search in dark places. In its summer heat, it prevents the growth of weeds. It even decomposes dead matter.
Light is extraordinary. Its modes and vessels are numerous.

The Bible gives us many examples...the sun, the stars, a burning bush, a lamp, a fire. But the greatest example? Jesus Himself (John 8:12).  And while this amazing part of creation is used to describe Himself, Jesus extends that term to His disciples, and to us, as well (Matthew 5:14-16). And the fruit of that light? It is goodness, and righteousenss, and truth.
 

"For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth)"
Ephesians 5:8-9 NIV

Paul further talks about truth, goodness, and righteousness throughout Ephesians.

He tells us we are created to do "good" works. That we should use "good" words. That we should have "good" will. That we will be blessed for doing "good".

He tells us we should do what is "right". That as believers, we should live in "true righteousness". That we should wear the breastplate of righteousness.

He tells us we should do what is "true". 

He tells us to live out our faith. To stop imitating the world.  To not be controlled by the world. To be filled with the Spirit. To watch how we speak. To be hopeful and not waste time being discouraged. To provide a witness of Christ to an unbelieving world. To show humility and love.

That's what it means to be a child of light.

There is a light, no matter how hard I try, that I will never be able to capture with my lens. A light so profound, so magnificent, so godly and pure, it was not meant to be captured through a camera. But the fruit of that light? It is more tangible. And its story can be told through a lens, as well as through a testimony, a kind word, a caring hand. It can be seen in a smile, felt through grace, beamed out through hope, displayed by the example of a Christ-centered life. It's tangible because of the children of that Light. For they are a city on a hill. They are the hands and feet of Jesus. They are a lamp in a dark room. They are called to be light. Called....

To spread energy that is good and righteous and true.
To share the Gospel so others, too, can be a part of His Eternal Light.
To feed those who are hungry-spiritually or physically.
To grow others in faith. To grow their own faith.
To see others as Christ sees them.
To give hope when others have none or they are discouraged.
To give warmth, be that in an embrace, a blanket, or a warm meal.
To stay in fellowship and in the Word to keep out all the weeds.
To daily die to our old self and be renewed in Jesus.

We are God's children. Light is in our spiritual DNA. It shines brightly in us. Yet, it is our daily choice, to not only follow Christ, but to either keep that light covered or let it shine. May we realize the honor and importance of this calling. May we embrace that we have been made to shine for this time, this day, this moment. When we are awake and do not sleep, when we live in the day and not the night, the Light burns brightly on the lampstand and the city is ablaze on the hill.

May we light up the world.

Blessings,
Elizabeth

"For you are all children of light, children of the day. We are not of the night or darkness"
1 Thessalonians 5:5 ESV

'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. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven."
Matthew 5:14-16