Light is a type of energy that travels by self-propulsion in a wave.

It needs no conduit to carry it from one place to another. Hot objects release this energy into the space around them — the hotter the object, the more light energy is released. When the energy hits a surface, one of three things can happen.

If the energy is absorbed, then so is the light. This light is generally converted to heat, rather than resulting in any further illumination. A dark road will absorb sunlight, melting your shoes, perhaps, but certainly not requiring sunglasses.

If the energy is reflected, then the light bounces off the reflecting surface and continues to shine. The full moon reflects the Sun’s rays, casting shadows in the night.

And if the energy encounters a medium that slows it down without stopping it, then the light is refracted. A straight straw appears to bend in a glass of water because the water refracts the light passing through it.

Jesus is The Light of the world (John 8:12).

As believers, how does Christ’s light affect us?

Do we absorb it, warming ourselves with His love, but refusing to carry it into the darkness around us?

Does it bend and warp as it passes through us, imperfectly reflecting our Lord?

Or do we accurately reflect Jesus, a shining testimony to His saving grace?