Jesus has extended the opportunity for everyone to become the children of God, and therefore children of light. Scripture says, “He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right [the power] to become children of God” (John 1:12).  Jesus told us that he is the light of the world, but he also said, that we are the light of the world as well. We are instructed to let our light so shine before men, that they might see our good works, and glorify our Father, who is in heaven.   

The other day, I was traveling to Ghana, Africa on British Airways. A steward was coming down the aisle, serving water and snacks. He was most engaging, telling jokes and making the travelers laugh.  Later, I went to the back galley to get some water, and there he was, eating with half-a-dozen other crew members. I struck up a conversation. “You missed your calling,” I said, “You should have been a stand-up comedian.” He replied, “No, but I am from Virginia, and we do all things well. Virginia is the best state in the union.” I told him that I have been going to Virginia every year for the past 22 years, and I stay in a 200-year-old, log house, on an 800 acre farm, with cattle and sheep. With all of the flight attendants listening, I asked if I could tell him a story. I proceeded to tell him that I was a pastor, and that I went to Virginia to preach. About 15 years ago, I had asked the farmers how things were going on the farm. They told me it was a terrible year; they had lost 42 sheep because of bears and coyotes. I prayed that this would stop immediately. The next year, when I returned, I was told they had only lost 2 sheep to predation. And they decided to give me a cow, butchered, and delivered to my home, 5 hours away.  For the past 15 years they have only lost 2 sheep per year, and for the last couple of years, they had zero predation. I said, “God answered prayers.”  

Soon, the head stewardess, asked me to return to my seat.  I do not think that the workers on the plane were believers, but as the steward I had talked with was making a last run along the aisle collecting garbage, he leaned down and whispered in my ear. “Please sir,” he said, “Would you pray for my daughter? She is 35 years old and has advanced cancer.” I promised I would pray for her, and when the miracle comes of her healing, that family will give glory to God. The door has cracked open, and the light is shining through. 

We are the children of light. We can change the situation when we enter a room. We bring light, where there is darkness. This is not because of our own greatness, but because of the power of God within us.