There is a Latin phrase “Post Tenebras Lux” translated as Light After Darkness that was adopted as the moto of the Protestant Reformation, that throughout history has been the motto of monuments, schools, colleges, universities, and even at one point, the country of Chile.

Somewhat recently, as I was waking up in the wee hours of the morning that motto occupied my still sleepy thoughts, followed by Isaiah’s prophecy of the coming Messiah in Isaiah 9:2 that was quoted by Matthew as fulfilled in Matthew 4:16, at the beginning of Jesus’ ministry.

“The people who walked in darkness Have seen a great light; Those who dwelt in the land of the shadow of death, Upon them a light has shined.”

John’s gospel begins with the same theme – the coming of light into a dark world:

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.”

(John 1:1-5)

Not only did John proclaim that light had come into a dark world with the birth of Christ, he also declared that the light of all mankind that shines in the darkness, Jesus Christ, has not, and cannot EVER overcome the light!

That reminds of us of what Matthew also said about ‘light’ and those of us who profess to be followers and disciples of Jesus Christ:

“You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.”

(Matthew 5:14-16)

Notice that the ultimate goal of our shining lights is the glory of God, and NOT our own popularity or reputations.

So, I have to ask myself,

“Dano, how’s YOUR light been shining in this dark world?”

Hmmmmmm. . . . . . .