Previous Challenge Entry (Level 1 – Beginner)
Topic: Christmas Lights (10/30/08)
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TITLE: Light Cords of Love | Previous Challenge Entry
By Corinne Boback
11/03/08 -
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Painstakingly, I began the tedious task of unraveling the lights. Even in their jumbled state, I decided to plug them in. At least the twinkling lights would give me something pleasant to look at as I worked!
As the bright colors danced before me on the floor, it was hard to distinguish their individual colors because they were so closely entwined. I momentarily stopped what I was doing, enjoying the view of the dazzling brilliance that appeared to be one gigantic beam of light. Instead of seeing a heap of wires tied in knots, I saw the beauty that each light brought to the picture as a whole. No particular bulb stood out from the rest; no single light appeared to be more radiant than another. They blended together to create one huge display of warmth and beauty.
I thought of how this picture was symbolic of the Body of Christ. The world looks at us as if we are a jumbled up mess; entangled in one another’s lives instead of standing out alone in the world. In reality, God has placed us that closely to one another, so that our lights can shine brightly as a whole, a beam of hope to a lost and dying world. Our lights shine individually, but we are connected by a cord of love – the love of Jesus Christ who lives in each of us.
For a fleeting moment, I did not want to untangle the lights. But in order to get them on the tree, I knew I must. As I separated the lights one from another, I appreciated the different colors of each one. Some were a little brighter than others, some a deeper, richer color than the rest. Unique, yet no one light more beautiful than the next. I was reminded that God sees His children the same way, unique, but no one more important or beautiful than another.
I would occasionally find a burned out bulb, having to replace it. Again, God reminded me that at times some believers feel that their lights have gone out. At that time, the others carry their load. The other lights do not dim or go out when one in their midst is not burning. They continue on, doing what they can until the burned out light starts shining again.
At last the lights were all untangled, laying on the floor and waiting to be strung on the tree. Starting at the top of the tree, I plugged that first set into the tree top. I always use a star on top of my tree. As I joined the string of lights to the star, God reminded me that star was representative of the power source that keeps us burning brightly. That power source is Jesus Christ. Yes, the lights work when they are plugged into the wall outlet just the same as when they are plugged into the star. Christians, too, can function without “plugging in” every day through prayer and Scripture reading. The problem is, of course, that they are functioning in their own power instead of the power of the Lord. Eventually, there will be a power failure, and their lights will be extinguished, offering no help to the hurting souls of the world.
The tree was now completely decorated. I sat down to enjoy the view. As I did, I thanked God that I am His, and that I chose to be “tangled up” with a Body of Believers. The world may not understand us, but they will be drawn to our light when we shine together for Christ. God will use us individually to shine on others, but we will be a force to be reckoned with when we radiate light in the darkness as a Body. Nothing can sever the cord that binds us together through the love of Jesus Christ. May our lights shine brightly before men this holiday season!
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