Reflecting the Light of the Son

"He himself was not the light; he came only as a witness to the light." - John 1:8 
  
When we look at the moon on a clear night, we marvel at its luminous glow. Yet, the moon does not emit light of its own; rather, it reflects the radiant light of the sun. Similarly, as believers, we are called to shine not by our own illumination, but by reflecting the light of the Son of God.

We see this through the example of John the Baptist, described in John 1:8. He was not the light himself, but he came to testify to the light. In essence, John's role was to reflect the light of Christ to those around him. Likewise, we are called to be witnesses to the light, allowing the brilliance of Christ to shine through us.
 
Think about diamonds for a moment. These precious gems begin as ordinary rocks deep beneath the earth's surface. Over millions of years, they undergo immense pressure and heat, transforming into the radiant jewels we admire. The light that dazzles us when we look at a diamond is not generated from within the stone itself; rather, it is the result of light bouncing around inside.

In the same way, our lives are like diamonds formed under pressure. We face challenges, endure hardships, and weather storms, yet through it all, God is at work shaping us into vessels of His light. Every trial we overcome, every obstacle we face, serves to refine and strengthen us, allowing the light of Christ within us to shine ever brighter.
 
Just as Rihanna sang, "Shine bright like a diamond," Jesus calls us to shine brightly in the world. Our radiance is not a result of our own efforts or achievements; it is a reflection of the light of Christ dwelling within us.