Principal's Ponderings

Be a Light in the World

“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.” 

— Matthew 5:14 (NIV)

I remember back in 2018, our school carried the theme “Let Them Shine.” It was a powerful reminder that every child is created by God with unique gifts, character, and purpose. It also reminded us that our role as parents, teachers, and community is to nurture that light so it shines brightly for Jesus.

That message still feels so important today. We live in a time that can feel uncertain, confusing, or divided. The news can weigh heavy, and the pace of life can dim our joy if we are not careful. Yet Jesus’ words are just as true now as they were then, “You are the light of the world.”

We are not asked to shine from our own strength. Like the moon reflecting the sun, we reflect His light into the world, His kindness, His truth, His grace, and His peace. 

Jesus also said, “You are the salt of the earth” in the book of Matthew chapter 5 verse 13. Salt preserves, heals, and brings out flavour. Light reveals, warms, and guides. When we live with love, humility, and courage, we bring out the goodness God has already placed in the world, and we point others to Him.

Corrie Ten Boom once wrote, “When a train goes through a tunnel and it gets dark, you don’t throw away the ticket and jump off. You sit still and trust the driver.” Even when the world around us feels dark or confusing, our trust in Jesus allows us to keep shining, steady, faithful, and full of hope.

As parents and educators, we have the privilege of helping our children discover what it means to shine. When they show kindness in the playground, honesty in a hard moment, or courage to stand for what is right, they are being salt and light, and their light shines beyond the school gates into homes, families, and the wider community.

“The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” — John 1:5

May we continue to let them shine and may our homes, classrooms, and conversations reflect the radiant light of Jesus in every season.

Shine bright,

Chad Smit