God's Glory Church

“And life was in Him, and life was the Light of men.” — John 1:4

To reproduce the beauty of reflected light in landscapes, artist Armand Cabrera adheres to an important principle: “Reflected light will never be brighter than its source.” According to his observations, novice painters tend to oversaturate reflected light. He says, “Reflected light belongs to the shadow; it should support the lit parts of your painting, not compete with them.”

A similar opinion is recorded in the Bible regarding Jesus Christ, “the Light of the people” (Jn. 1:4). John the Baptist “came to witness to testify about the Light, so that all would believe through him” (v. 7). The author of the Gospel says the following about John the Baptist: “He was not that Light, but he had to testify about the Light” (v. 8).

We, like John, are chosen by God to reflect the light of Christ to those who live in the shadow of an unbelieving world. This is our role, because, as someone pointed out: “unbelievers are unable to endure the fullness of the bright glory of His light.”

Cabrera teaches his students: “Anything on which the light directly falls becomes a source of light.” Likewise with Jesus, “the true Light… [Which] enlightens every man” (v. 9), we shine as witnesses of His light. And let the world be amazed by His glory that shines through us.

How do you reflect the light of Christ? What dark areas of the world can you shine His light on?

Shine on me, wonderful Light of God. Please help to illuminate the dark areas of the unbelieving world with Your light.

Author: Patricia Raybon