On a whim several summers ago, my girls and I attended a local Lantern Festival in July, that magical month when long, sun-soaked afternoons melt into warm, starry nights. With our tickets, each of us decorated a lantern with a “wish” or blessing while sitting together in the lush summer grass. We shared each of our lantern blessings, and as the sunset dipped low, people gathered by a small lake. A warm glow was lit inside each lantern, and we watched as the lanterns drifted to settle on the water’s surface. Like something out of Tangled, it was a moment of pure magic that filled my heart with so much joy. The soft golden glow mingling with the Colorado sunset, and having my girls nearby, made it all the more unforgettable—a memory I’ll treasure always.
When you hear the word luminous, maybe you think of a candlelit path on a dark night, sparkling fireflies amongst the fields, or the rare sparkle of bioluminescent algae in the sea. Luminous means “full of light; bright and shining in the dark.” No matter where life finds us—whether we’re in moments of joy or sorrow, dawn or darkness—God’s light is always with us, shining most brightly when we need it the most.
Because of Christ’s “luminous love” poured out for us, we walk in His light each and every day. There’s no place too hidden, no darkness too deep for His light to reach us.
Recently, while waiting in line for coffee, I met a woman who gently shared her story. She’d survived a Japanese internment camp in the Philippines as a child, held there with her family from age four to seven. She described how the mothers would recall their favorite recipes to each other in the camp, dreaming of the meals they’d make together again one day. Even in hunger and fear, these mothers held onto pieces of joy and connection. The children, worn and hungry, would find ways to play together, and her father reminded them to “stay positive, and focus on the good.” Through those years, each member of her family survived. The secret, she said, was in keeping their hearts anchored to hope and beauty, no matter what. Even in the darkest places, they carried a flicker of light with them.
Like her, we each have a choice to dwell in shadows or focus on the light—Jesus, our constant guide and friend. He has faithfully led me through my darkest nights, and I know He will continue to. He has been, and will always be, as steady as a lighthouse beacon, faithfully guiding us home.
Sometimes, when we face struggles, we feel we need to do something extra to be worthy of His help. But God doesn’t just send His light or peace; He is our light, is our peace. He is there, right beside us, steady and near. Because His light is within us, we can “gather and share the light,” becoming a gentle reflection of His love.
This world needs Christ’s “luminous love” more than ever. Sometimes people find it at church or a Biblestudy, or sometimes in a redemptive story that rescues them from a dark place. But often, the light that draws people to Christ is the light they see in each of us moment by moment, day by day. Let’s not hesitate to be His light and to share His love with those around us. There are many who may be seeing the light of Jesus for the first time through you. Let Him use you today to shine His love into lives that have never dared open the door.
So today, dear friend, soak in the luminous love of Christ to the fullest. Take in His Word, linger in prayer, and rest in His presence. Know that He, the Light of the world, is with you always. You are constantly surrounded by His luminous love and that makes a world of difference.
Until next time,
P.S. A couple of my other blogs mentioning “The Light”:
https://melanietalevski.com/2022/12/18/life-light-to-all-he-brings/
https://melanietalevski.com/2021/12/24/the-night-love-lit-the-sky/
Melanie Talevski 