Just the Wick

Christmas is a time for lights, lights, and more lights. Where I live, out in the sticks, we can look out our windows from the very day after Halloween and see houses lit up and ready to welcome the holiday season. It lifts my heart to think of the Light in that Stable so long ago.

I was talking to my husband the other day about being a light to the world and at some point he said, “I’m just the wick.” At first I thought it was funny; then I thought, “Wow, he’s not even lit! I want to be lit! I don’t want to be 'just the wick.'”

But upon reflection of that simple statement, I realized the glaring truth. We are just the wicks! It’s Jesus who is the Light. All we have to do is stand up and be ready for the blazing Light He will give us so that we can light up the world.

But I have a question. What kind of wick am I? Since Jesus took me from the darkness of sin into the Light of His Kingdom, have I become the kind of light He wants me to be?

Consider the penlight. It gives light to a small area, focusing exactly where it’s needed for a short amount of time. Now think of a 15,000,000 candle spotlight. It puts out a light that can be seen for miles. We need those penlights on occasion, but a penlight would be of no use outside on a dark night when I’m trying to find my way. What I need is that 15,000,000 candle spotlight!

So, am I a penlight disciple of Christ or a 15,000,000 candle disciple of Christ? Am I ready for just a small “light job” or have I allowed God to so work in me that I’m fully prepared to be a blazing light for Jesus in a dark world that desperately needs Him?

Questions for Reflection

1. What kind of wick are you? Are you trimmed and ready to be lit by Jesus?

2. Is Jesus calling you to be a penlight, giving your neighbor the Gospel or a helping hand; or is He calling to be a blazing beam of light to your city or someplace far away?