Astronomers are big advocates of the “dark sky.” Their goal is to get all city lights directed downwards. City lights aimed upwards severely diminish visibility. This is why research planetariums are far from city lights and high up on mountaintops. Remote locations maximize the visibility of each orb, be it planet, star, or cluster, in the universe. When the Eastern kings came to Herod in search of the new King, Herod read the star as a threat. He made plans to misuse the light that so clearly guided these sojourners. He wanted a different kind of darkness. Through lies, deceit, and treachery, Herod attempted to turn the blazing star into a mere twinkle.

But the light of Jesus could not be extinguished. Jesus was light throughout his walk on earth (see John 1:4-5). He called people out of their self-deception, self-pity, and deepest of sin, and into his presence. His light is still as strong and life changing today as it was two thousand years ago. How can this be? Is the memory of the life of Jesus that powerful? The answer to that question lives in every believer today.

Jesus clearly stated that we are light in a dark world.  Paul said that we were once darkness, but are now light (Eph. 5:8). Thankfully, Jesus did not leave us on our own to figure out how to be his light in a dark world. Jesus placed his own Spirit within us to guide us. We need only allow his Spirit to work freely in us, and we will reflect the character of Jesus to others.

Just as the moon reflects the sun’s light, we reflect the character of Jesus through goodness, righteousness, and truth what about when we fail? Do we defeat God’s will when we sin? We are assured that God’s will is always accomplished and no sin has any power over God’s will. No matter how frail or vulnerable we may be, the Holy Spirit chooses to work through us. We can be assured that God will always provide a blazing light for the world to find him. We are left in humble awe that he continues to use his followers to fulfill his plan.