January 4, 2015 – Matthew 5:14-16

“You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.” Matthew 5:14-16During an illness in his childhood, Robert Louis Stevenson was fascinated by the lamplighter, who ‘poked holes into the darkness’.  Did Robert know the creator of light?  Did he know Jesus who proclaims that He is the Light of the World?If you have not ever driven a car in a dark, moonless night, you do not understand true darkness.  When I was a child, the car Dad drove, had faulty lights.  All senses are alert, every bump, every fear filled my mind.  Yet, I trusted Dad to bring us safely home.  Dad was my hero.Jesus gives me that security of joy every day.  No matter what happens, I will trust Him and follow Him.  through Jesus, life has a goal, a way to travel safely and stay alive.  Jesus is my light and my salvation. He is mightier than man, for He is the One and only Son of God.  When I follow him, I am alight with His light.  The good that I do sheds his light to others.The Light that we have within us when we follow Jesus, is seen by others who are brought to the Light of the World…which leads to Life everlasting.Do you choose to walk in the darkness stumbling without hope through out your life?  Or will you join me to walk in the Light of Jesus Christ whose gifts in this life contain hope, peace and joy, and above all — Love.Jesus spoke to the people once more and said, “I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.” John 8:12