Inspire

You are a Light

Even on the darkness of nights, a tiny candle can act as a sharp beacon of hope and a way to guide us. Our lives are much like a small candle. Despite the darkness that we experience all around us, one single bright act of kindness has a tremendous effect. What we do for Christ, as we help others, can be seen from a great distance by a great many people.

One of the elements of our Graduation at St Paul that has always resonated with me is the candle ceremony where we farewell our graduating class by candlelight. This visually represents sending our graduates out into the world with Christ’s light. Through this gesture, we pray that they will take opportunity to ‘be Jesus’ in the lives of those they meet and interact with in the years to come. We are all meant to be light – to stand out from the shadows. Each of our little actions should point the way to the one true, divine light of Jesus Christ. We need to reflect his light in everything we do or say.

Matthew 5:14 – 16 says:

“Here’s another way to put it: You’re here to be light, bringing out the God-colours in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We’re going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you don’t think I’m going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I’m putting you on a light stand. Now that I’ve put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand—shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you’ll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven.” (Message version)

As Christians, God calls us to leave a mark on the places that we’ve been and the people we meet – to shine his light. We are called to influence others for Christ. As we say goodbye to our 2024 graduates, my question is: what “mark” or imprint have you left on those you have met while here at St Paul? What “mark” will you leave on those you meet in the future? How might you allow the Light of Christ to shine through you as an example to others. Be reminded that God is using you and your gifts every day, so that the “mark” you might leave is something for which to be thankful.

Submitted by Bec Mattner