Suffering, resurrection and Christian love – day 12

There was a king who lived in a beautiful palace in Austria, about 400 years ago. His subjects were loyal to him, so he wanted to leave them something. Eventually, he decided to replace their dilapidated church with a new church. He felt that it gave a bad impression of his Christianity, that he lived in such a spectacular palace while the believers met to worship the heavenly King in a building that was falling down around them.

The final product was a beautiful stone church. The carvings inside were decorated with various Christian symbols. The stained-glass windows told the entire story of Jesus. The steeple pointed skyward to God like a finger. It was truly a privilege to worship in such a church. Inside, you felt close to God and you could experience his presence.

When the people gathered for the dedication of this church, their cup overflowed with joy and gratitude. The king’s daughter, however, whispered in her father’s ear and said, “But Dad, there are no lights in the church.” The king pointed to the empty candle holders on the walls of the church. He stood up and said, “Friends, the church has no lights. Each of you shall bring your own light. During the service, your candle will light up part of the church. In this way, you will light up the church just as you light up the road as you come to church. Whenever someone does not come to church, his part of the church will be in darkness and also the road he usually takes to church. Remember what Jesus taught us?” The king ended his speech with these words, “You are the light of the world.”

Therefore, this church came to be known as the “Church of the Lamps”.

Jesus’ resurrection broke the bonds of darkness to give us eternal light. We, who have been resurrected with Christ, must also let his light shine through our lives every day.

How will you shine Jesus’ light on the people who cross your path today?