The church is the light of the world and so in the Bible it is portrayed as the lampstand (Revelation 1:20). God has put us here to give light to the world. There are many verses that links God to light ( 1John 1:5, James 1:17, 1 Timothy 6: 16, Psalms 106:2).Jesus who revealed God is the light of the world. (John 1:4; 8:12; 1:9; 12:35,36; Psalms 27:1). Light symbolizes purity and chastity ( Proverbs 6:23; Isaiah 5: 20; Romans 13: 12). Spiritual radiance is also called light ( 2 Corinthians 4: 6; Ephesians 5: 14; 1 Peter 2: 9). God’s word has been compared to light (Psalms 119: 105). God’s people are the children of light ( Luke 16: 8; John 12: 36; 1 Thessalonians 5:5). It is the armour of light that we should garb, in our fight against the forces of darkness (Romans 13: 12; Ephesians 6: 12; 1 Thessalonians 5: 8). Believers should examine what is pleasing to God and walk in the light and also shine their light before others ( Matthew 5: 16; 10:27; Luke 8: 16; 11:33; 12:3; Acts 13:47).
1. The Church that is the Lampstand (Zechariah 4: 1-14)
Zechariah sees a vision of seven lights that emit light. Apostle John talks about a vision similar to this in Revelation 1: 13, 20. Here the lampstands are given meaning too. Lampstands signifies the church. That is the church should be the lampstand that emits light for the world. (Philippians 2:15). In this world, corruption, conflicts and injustice are becoming rampant as the signs of darkness. In this milieu, the church can be a light, a hope, to the people who are groping in darkness.
2. Light means Deeds (Matthew 5: 14 -16)
In this Bible portion, the salt of the earth and the light of the world are our deeds. It is through the fruit that the tree is known. It is our deeds that brighten our life. Christ teaches us that the people should see your good works and give glory to God. This is what is portrayed as light here.
3. Do a Work that Lasts (1 Corinthians 3 :10 -15)
A work of goodness and love lasts forever and a work of selfishness and wickedness will perish because ultimately it is each person’s work that is tested (1 Corinthians 3:13). Only the work that lasts will be rewarded.
Collect: God of light, we thank you for Jesus Christ the light of the world who came to dispel darkness. Lord, we praise you for the diversity you have given us. We believe and affirm that we are one flock following one shepherd Jesus Christ. Give us strength to be united, appreciating and overcoming all differences in all perspectives. Let these differences enhance our fellowship in unity. Let no darkness overpower us, but keep us as a light on the lamp stand so that we could be instruments in dispelling darkness, through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God world without end. Amen.
Translation : Neena Kishor, Ph.D Scholar, Department of English, University of Kerala