There are many reasons why I’m thankful that I wasn’t born 100+ years ago:

I like air-conditioning in the summer and heat in the winter.

Despite my best efforts, I’m a terrible gardener (maybe this summer will be the year!).

Cooking is fun for me, but not when I must make 3 meals every day until I die.

The seamstress in me was never born, so I’d make one pitiful dress and wear that until it was literal rags.

However, two things of the past that collide with today are candles and lamps. In the winter, my kitchen island almost always has a candle lit on it and I read every morning on my couch with a small lamp lit next to me. These things bring about a cozy atmosphere, one where I feel like life is so simple. Not necessarily easy, but they guide my spirit toward simplicity.

I like to think that Jesus appreciated simplicity as well. He wasn’t fancy, didn’t ask for much material things and kept His focus on His mission. Maybe He like candles and lamps as well? He gave the following illustration:

“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp an put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:14-16)

We are supposed to light our lamp (back then they used fire) and let it shine for all to see. We aren’t illuminating ourselves; we aren’t the reason for the light and thank goodness for that. But we are to use the light that we have as a symbol and point others to Jesus with it. Show them that it’s not about us, but about Him.

Photo credit: Vladimir Fedotov via Unsplash.com