The Light

In his book about the Middle Ages, historian William Manchester expressed admiration for the men and women who built the great cathedrals across Europe. These people evidenced a “total lack of ego.” They were concerned with “glorifying God,” not getting credit or earthly rewards. Their focus was on the Lord, and they sought to teach and inspire, not just build.

Perhaps the most famous is the Chartres cathedral, located 50 miles 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. For more than a hundred years, anonymous builders worked to create an edifice filled with the symbolism of light. Light penetrates the spaces in powerful ways, allowing the striking beauty of stained glass windows to emerge with clarity and encouraging worshipers to see the world with a fresh perspective.

In his book about Chartres, Jean Favier explains that its builders inaugurated a new approach to light and space. Innovations in vaulted spaces made light “the real decoration.” They illustrated a deep and profound spiritual truth: Light changes everything.

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

Today, make sure that the Light of Jesus shines through you. Brightly. Clearly. Be a vessel for His Spirit so that He might touch the lives of others…so they might come to the Light. Allow Him to impact others through your life. Commit yourself to being the Light of the world. Bring Him glory!