The Light

Today, we marvel at the magnificent cathedrals built across Europe throughout the Middle Ages. We also can marvel that their builders largely remained anonymous.

Historian William Manchester described how those who built these cathedrals demonstrated a “total lack of ego.” Their only concern was “glorifying God,” not getting credit or earthly rewards. Their focus was on Him, and sought to teach and inspire, not just build buildings.

Perhaps the most famous is the Chartres cathedral, located fifty miles southwest of southwest of Paris.

Construction began in 1145, and it was dedicated on October 24, 1260. The result is widely recognized as one of the great achievements in history.

Throughout the building process, anonymous builders worked to create an edifice filled with the symbolism of light. As we study the cathedral, light penetrates spaces in powerful ways, allowing the beauty of stained glass windows to emerge with clarity. Worshipers are encouraged to see the world with a fresh perspective.

In his book about Chartres, Jean Favier explains that its builders inaugurated a new approach that made light “the real decoration.” They tapped into a spiritual truth: Light changes everything.

In our lives, the Bible reminds us that Jesus is the “Light of the world” (John 8:12). But He also called us to be the light through own lives (Matthew 5:14). His followers are to let our light shine that others “may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.”

Make sure that the Light of Jesus shines through you. Brightly. Clearly. Be a vessel for His Spirit that He might work in others. That they might come to the Light. Allow Him to impact others through you. Commit yourself to being the Light of the world. And bring Him glory!