As Paul wrote , “ I discipline my body and bring it into submission , so that after I have preached to others , I myself will not be disqualified ” ( 1 Corinthians 9:27 ). This disciplined life is not easy , but it is necessary for reflecting God ’ s holiness .
Illuminate : Reflecting the Light of God
Chanukah , also known as the Festival of Lights , reminds us of God ’ s glory breaking into the darkness . From the beginning of creation , light symbolized God ’ s presence and power . Genesis records that before the sun and moon were created , God declared , “ Let there be light .” This light , some believe , was the radiance of His glory itself .
The Syrian-Greek exile is traditionally likened to the formless , dark void of the pre-creation universe . Yet even in this darkness , God ’ s light could not be extinguished . John ’ s Gospel reflects this truth :
" In Him was life , and the life was the light of men . The light shines in the darkness , and the darkness has not overpowered it " ( John 1:4 – 5 ).
Chanukah traditions include placing a Menorah in the window , allowing its light to shine outward as a testimony of God ’ s faithfulness . As we light the candles , we are reminded that we are called to reflect His light in the world . Small obstacles — like placing your thumb in front of the sun — can block the light . Even dust , the smallest of particles , can create haze and darken the light . This serves as a spiritual metaphor : what in our lives is dimming the reflection of God ’ s light ?