Behold, the 'lamp' of God

Christmas is all about light, the light of the world that shines for the people walking in darkness. Let us talk a little about human and spiritual light, so that in our lives a true Christmas may shine, offering those around us the wonderful light in a brighter way.

Clay lamps were the most common means of lighting in the past. It was a plate-like pottery vessel that was made when the clay was still wet and soft, its sides were hand-folded to create a spout. After drying, it was baked and hardened in the oven. Then people pour olive oil, or other vegetable oil, or animal fat, into the lamp. A thread of linen, papyrus or other plant fibers was twisted into a wick shape, immersed in oil to the bottom while its upper end lit and emitted light. The shape of the lamp gradually evolved from a flat and open one until it became a closed body except for two openings at the top, one for pouring the oil and one for inserting the wick.

Types of lamps: to reduce the loss of oil by its absorption and seepage through the sides of the clay, the lamps used to be sealed with black, green and other colored glazes. Rich people had multi-headed lamps that were all lit. Most of the lamps were made of clay, but some were made of bronze and were usually carved or painted with plants or geometric patterns and sometimes with inscriptions or religious symbols.

The use of lamps: In ancient times, as darkness prevailed after sunset, indoor and outdoor lighting was needed. At night they would go out with lamps or torches, especially if the stay outside was long, such as wedding celebrations (Matt. 25:1; Luke 12:35).

The location of the lamps: Lamps were placed inside the houses on a windowsill, or on a shelf above the door or on a high pedestal which was an elevated base usually made of a tree trunk. " Put it… on a lamp stand, and it gives light to all who are in the house" (Matt. 5:15).

The lamp does not light without oil (a symbol of the Holy Spirit). In fact, the one whom the Holy Spirit dwells in his heart – i.e., the believer in Christ Jesus - is the one who can say to God: "For You light my lamp; The Lord my God illumines my darkness". He is the one who hears God calling us to let our light shine "... before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your father who is in heaven" (Ps. 18:28; Matt. 5:16).

The illuminating and shining lamp points to several aspects of the life of the Christian believer:

1. Activity: What a beautiful expression: "The lamp of the excellent wife does not go out at night" (Prov. 31: 18). We should as well be always diligent and ready for the service of God at least in our own surrounding.

2. Blessing and continuity: It was said about David, "For David’s sake the Lord his God gave him a lamp in Jerusalem, to raise up his son after him and to establish Jerusalem" (1kings 15: 4).

3. Testimony: The life testimony of John the Baptist was described with the words: "The lamp that was burning and shining" (John 5: 35).

4. A vessel carrying God's light: "The spirit of a man is the lamp of the Lord". If a person receives God's light, He illuminates his whole being. " Therefore, if your whole body is full of light, without any dark part, it will be wholly illuminated, as when the lamp illuminates you with its light" (Prov. 20: 27; Luke 11:36).

God's word also refers to four places (or situations) in which the lamp should not be placed:

1. Under the bed (Mark 4: 21). The bed was usually a mattress just above floor for laxity and sleep. Placing a lamp underneath the bed is pointless and dangerous as the lamp will burn it and spread the smoke smell for long inside the house. Are we spiritually and intellectually awaking to distinguish where to place our lamp, to be sober minded and prepare our minds for action (Tit. 2: 2; 1 Pet. 1: 13).

2. Covered with a vessel (Luke 8:16). Jars, bowls and other tools, referred at Biblical times to work and occupations. Is it not true that sometimes, our Christian witness is very weak because of the excessive preoccupation with work and life worries.

3. In a cellar (Luke 11: 33). What is the point of placing the lamp in a hidden place that no one can see? Why are we sometimes uneasy or shy to present ourselves as Christians? Why are we hiding and who do we fear?

Jehovah's Witnesses globally are less than ten million, nevertheless their couples preach their false teaching in so many open squares in the world. Doesn't this make us ashamed or at least envious of their activity?

4. Under the basket (Matt. 5:15). The basket is a dry measure, that was even used sometimes to extinguish the lamp, by turning the basket over it so that the smell of smoke does not spread. Therefore, to keep the lamp lighting, it should not be placed under a basket. Moreover, according to the rest of the verse, the appropriate place for the lighted lamp is on the lampstand, so it shall give light to all who are in the house.

An Aramaic Talmudic proverb says: "What use is a candle in the middle of the day? " (Chullin 60b). Indeed, the light is especially missed in the darkness, and as we live in the darkness of this world, God calls us to be lights in this dark world! Therefore, it is important that our lamps, i.e., our life and testimony shine brightly.

The Bible is symbolically depicted as " a lamp shining in a dark place", and may we always trust it as a lamp to our feet that illuminates our path and the angles of our lives, to be able to live a pure life in which God is always exalted (2 Pet. 1: 19; Ps. 119: 105). Although made of clay and upon earth will be always fragile, we got the Holy Spirit within us, through whom we live and move and exist… and kindle our lamp, to enjoy and share Christmas in a different way!

Merry and enlightening Christmas!