A Reflection in the Window

As I walk around the neighborhood with our dog, Jack, I notice that Christmas decorations are beginning to appear. Just yesterday afternoon, darkness already falling, I could see in the distance a lovely Christmas tree all aglow with purple and white lights. So lovely, but wait, as I got closer I wasn’t looking at a Christmas tree at all. What had caught my attention was a mere reflection of the tree next door. As I drew closer, the reflection was nearly as lovely as the tree itself. Proverbs 27:19 came to mind, “As a face is reflected in water, so the heart reflects the real person.”

I smiled in contentment as I strolled on by, looking at both the reflection, and the real thing. On first glance I hadn’t noticed any difference. I reminded myself that we, as children of the Most High, are also reflectors. When the Holy Spirit fills us, helping us to mold into the image of Jesus, then when others look at us, they too are seeing a reflection of the real thing — Jesus in us. What a joy and what a responsibility, too.

It can be daunting to think that others who know we are Christians, may be watching us, observing behavior, speech, attitude. We are poor reflectors when our hearts are dull, seeking our own way, trudging through life with no regard to the importance and joy of behaving like Jesus; but when hearts are alive unto God, desiring to be like Jesus, seeking His ways, then reflections of His joy, peace and wisdom, shine forth. Perhaps such a glow will attract others to also consider that Jesus is indeed “the way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:6).

It is vastly important that we, as Proverbs 4:23 instructs, “Guard your heart above all else, because it affects everything you do.” This Christmas season, as millions of decorated trees glow in lights, may we also glow in the One who is the only Light of the world.