Long ago there was a tribe in a dark, cold cavern. The cave dwellers would huddle together and cry against the cold. Loud and long they wailed. It was all they did. It was all they knew to do. They didn’t know just how mournful it sounded in that cave, since they had never known joy. The spirit in the cave was death, but they didn’t know it, for they had never known life.

One day, they heard a different voice. “I have heard your cries,” it said. “I have felt your chill and seen your darkness. I have come to help.” The cave people grew quiet. They had never heard this voice. Hope sounded strange to them. “How can we know you have come to help?” He replied, “Trust me. I have what you need.”

The cave people strained to see the stranger through the darkness. He was stacking something, stooping, stacking some more. “What are you doing” someone asked nervously. The stranger didn’t answer, just kept stacking. “What are you making?” someone asked loudly. Still no response. “Tell us” another demanded angrily. The visitor stood and spoke in the direction of the voices. “I have what you need.” With that he turned to the pile at his feet and lit it. Wood ignited, flames erupted, and the light filled the cavern.

Put it out!” they cried, turning away in fear, “It hurts to see it!” He answered, “Light always hurts before it helps. Step closer. The pain will soon pass.”  “Not I” said one voice after another. “Only a fool would risk exposing his eyes to that bright light.” The stranger stayed by the fire, “Would you prefer the darkness? Do you prefer the cold? Don’t let fear control you — take a step of faith!”

For a long time no one spoke. The people hovered in groups, covering their eyes. The fire builder stood by the fire. “It’s warm here,” he invited.

“He’s right” one from behind him said. “It is warmer.” The stranger turned to see someone approaching. She said, “I can open my eyes now! I can see!”

“Come closer” the fire builder invited. She did. She stepped into the ring of light. “It’s so warm!” She extended her hands toward the fire and sighed as the chill began to pass. “Come, everyone,” she invited, “feel the warmth!”

“Silence, woman!” one of the cave dwellers responded. “Dare you lead us into your folly? Take your light and leave us.” She turned to the stranger and asked, “Why won’t they come?” He said, “They choose the chill, for even though it is cold, it is what they know. They would rather be cold than change.” “And live in the dark?” “And live in the dark.” The now warm woman stood there looking at the stranger, then peered into the darkness. He asked her, “Will you leave the fire?” She paused before she said, “I can’t. I can’t stand the cold.” Then she spoke again, “But I can’t stand the thought of my people living in darkness.”  “You don’t have to,” he responded, reaching down into the fire and removing a stick. “Carry this to your people. Tell them the light is here and the light is warm. It is here for all who desire it.” And she took the small flame and stepped into the shadows.

Jesus said in Matthew 5:16 You are the light of the world. The Light of Christ that has shined on us should now shine through us, radiating to others. As you speak to others about your Savior and His love for them, the Holy Spirit shines in their hearts, to shatter the darkness of sin in their lives and let the Light of Christ shine.

There are people you know, cold and afraid, stubbornly clinging to the darkness because it is all they know. Take the light of Christ to them. Let it shine through you. Turn on the Light for them.