The Paradoxical Nature of Light

Friends, Pastor TJ speaking here. I really enjoy sharing deep reflections on our blog of my own or inviting you to discern a word from God yourself with the spiritual practice of Dwelling in the Word. Most recently, I have combined that practice with a Monday recap of Sunday's message that I have been calling Monday Manna which I try to ensure gets released at 5:21 pm (In honor of Jesus' John 17:21 prayer that they may all be one) on Mondays. Being that I was on vacation post-Easter I did not have a Monday Manna for you yesterday and a lot of Monday madness catching up on communications for myself upon return. Then I slowed down and read this post from a retired pastor in our community who spoke such a strong word at our Good Friday service and very often will share insights I try to spread further through our church's blog. I see every person we encounter as holding a truth and light from God that can help growth for not only onself but as a people together on the Way. So I sincerely encourage you to read this reflection and see how it speaks to you today. For me, it was an invitation to pause and realize my role as a pastor is to not be the light or create the light but to reflect it with light-filled people all around us. In world that seems dark these days, remember who you are and whose you are today.

Brightest Blessings, TJ

The Paradoxical Nature of Light

By Doug Wigginton

April 13, 2026

“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.” Matthew 5.14

My father was a quintessential Marine. He often said, “Ours is not to reason why; ours is but to do and die.” During World War II, he served in the South Pacific. Like most combat veterans, he rarely spoke about his wartime experiences, even with me.

With this in mind, I recall my dad briefly sharing a story about a light in the darkness. On a pitch-black night, while in the trenches, a soldier, overcome with fear of what lurked in the darkness, stood up and lit a match. The light of one small match illuminated the entire area. There was no need for him to elaborate further. The outcome of one soldier’s actions was evident.

Although I am sure my dad had my best interests in mind, I do not recall why he told me this story. Later in my life, it dawned on me that a light in the darkness, however small, does not go unnoticed. No great insight, but it is a powerful metaphor that helps us understand what otherwise might be lost on its listeners.

Jesus, in his sermon on the mount, declares to his followers, “You are the light of the world” (Matthew 5:14-16). He said this to emphasize that his followers must reflect His teachings and character to the troubled world. Unlike the soldier in my dad’s story, who made his own light, we, as Christians, are “reflectors,” not creators of light.

Therefore, it is Jesus, not us, who is the “Light of the World” (John 8:12). As He Himself said, “I am the light of the world.” That is to say, there is no light in the world apart from Jesus Christ. It is when we follow Him that the light of Christ brings light into the darkest corners of our own lives and of the lives of others. As the conduits of His light, we are the light of the world.

As tempting as it may be, we are not to hide our light but to place it on a lampstand for all to see (Matthew 5:15). For our motivation, C.S. Lewis warned, "Don’t shine so that others can see you. Shine so that through you, others can see Him.” — C.S. Lewis.

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Further reading on your own for the week:

Acts 2:14, 36-41 | Psalm 116:1-4, 12-19 | 1 Peter 1:17-23 | Luke 24:13-35

Try Dwelling in the Word with these passages:

Dwelling in The Word

Instructions

Set aside a regular time and place during your week where you can sit quietly with God’s Word. It does not need to be long, but it should be intentional. Choose a space where you can slow down and give the text your attention.

Select one of the scriptures for the week and read the same passage each day. This practice is different from Bible study. In church or group study, we focus on history, theology, and proper interpretation. Those are important, but Dwelling in the Word is more personal and prayerful. Here, we are listening for how the Word is speaking to us.

Read the passage slowly. You may want to read it more than once. I suggest reading it once quietly, pausing, and then reading it again out loud. Pay attention to the word, phrase, or image that stands out to you. Sit with it. Let it stay with you. Write it down or underline it.

Ask yourself simple questions as you read:

• What word or phrase is drawing my attention?

• What is bubbling up in me as I sit with it?

• Why might this part of the passage be standing out today?

Return to the same passage each day and notice what changes. Another phrase may stand out, or the meaning may deepen as the week unfolds. The goal is not to master the text, but to let the Word dwell in you and shape the way you see your life.