FEBRUARY 13, Matthew 5:16 

The evening was cool. The earthy smell of the park filled the air, as the Tan family started their dinner. This was a very special dinner for 2 reasons. The first – it was the Chinese New Year’s Eve Reunion Dinner. Secondly, this was the first time they were having reunion dinner in a park and having BBQ at that!

After dinner, Kevin exclaimed. “The stars are really bright tonight.” His brother Isaac looked up toward the sky. “They just look brighter because there are no other lights around,” he said. “They stand out more against the darkness.” “I see a firefly,” said Kevin. “Look! Over there.” He pointed toward a tree a few feet from the fire. The light of the firefly flickered in an on and off pattern. “Maybe he’s sending a message in Morse code,” joked Isaac. “Hey, Kevin, figure out what he’s trying to say.” The boys laughed as they watched the firefly blinking its ancient ritual.

Their granddad looked thoughtful. “Fireflies are interesting,” he said, “and they have a good lesson for Christians. Can you guess what it might be?” The boys were silent for a moment. “Maybe it’s that we need to let our lights shine for God,” replied Isaac. “Yeah,” agreed Kevin, “but we shouldn’t let them flicker on and off like fireflies do.”

“Why not?” asked granddad. “Well…” Kevin hesitated. “If my light is shining, it might help bring someone to Jesus,” he suggested, “but if my light flickers, it might not be on when that person is looking. Then I wouldn’t be a testimony for God at all.”

“Good thinking.” granddad nodded. “What things might keep our lights from shining?” “I think our lights turn off when we’re unkind or selfish or do things we know are wrong,” Isaac said quietly. “Like… lying to mom and dad, or cheating on a test.”

“Or saying something mean to someone,” added Kevin.

“You’re right,” said granddad. “Let’s be sure our lights shine all the time. We never know when someone may be watching us. Especially as tomorrow is the first day of the Chinese New Year, remember when you visit relatives and friends that you are to be a shining light for Jesus!”

Thought: “This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine.”

Prayer: Heavenly Father, remind me as I visit relatives and friends, and in fact, at all times, that I am to be a shining witness for You! In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.