The Light of Many Lamps

The Light Of Many Lamps

“No one lights a lamp and puts it in the cellar or under a basket, but on a lampstand, so that those who come in may see its light.” Luke 11:33

In the Christmas season, one of the cheeriest images brightening the globe are holiday lights. Brilliantly displayed lights on houses, shops, restaurants, churches, and beyond festively illuminate long nights. While we are immersed in this magical wonderland throughout our neighborhoods and cities, may we often be reminded the Light of the World was born in Bethlehem over 2,000 years ago, piercing the darkness of this world.

Many Lamps

The Apostle Paul's second visit to Troas is recorded during his third missionary journey. This major Roman port was the gateway to Europe, located in present-day Turkey. He and his missionary companions sailed from Philippi after the Feast of Unleavened Bread and arrived in Troas, where they stayed for seven days. During this visit, Paul taught a local gathering of believers in an upper room, which continued until midnight.

Acts 20:8 documents this event by describing the room:

There were many lamps in the upstairs room where we were meeting. 

This scripture would be taken by most as simply a small detail. But lean in!

We Will Not Hide

At this time in the early church, Christians would have been persecuted for their faith by local and Roman authorities, as well as others in the community. Though there were gatherings that met in secret, probably increasing with growing persecution, this particular gathering in Troas did not hide, even if it meant persecution from their enemies. If they had met with extinguished lights, it would give their enemies cause to believe they are doing indecent things under the cover of night.

From the outside of this house gathering, one would be able to see the bright light of fearless and unapologetic lamps. Those inside could also be heard, for scripture details a young man who was sitting in an open window of that third floor upper room (Acts 20:9).

The burning of many lamps with open windows was evidence that they were not practicing a secret faith, but a faith in Jesus Christ where He was living His life within and through them.

I’ve been extremely blessed to be part of a house gathering (house church) for several years, meeting in an upper room of the leaders’ home. Similar to the upper room in which Paul was teaching, many people fill the living room space, where windows are opened due to the heat. And each person who comes to the gathering is a lamp. They are a light.

We Are Many Lamps

Acts 20:8 says “many lamps.” That can mean great in number, but “many” can also mean “different.” One light, different lamps. You are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it (1 Corinthians 12:12-27).

Though we are one body in Christ, individually we differ in gifts, talents, appearance, age, gender, ethnicity, education, family background, life experience, and work. Those factors don’t make us greater or less than another, but it points to the Lord, who uses our uniqueness to be a light to the world. There is no one size fits all. I cannot be everywhere you are to reach people, and you cannot be everywhere I am. In addition, you may be able to have an influence on someone that I cannot. God uses us wherever we are, and with whatever we have. 

Not Our Own Oil

As we light the darkness, we cannot shine in our own strength. When we burn our own candles with finite wax and wick, it burns for a short time, soon to die out.  

However, when we have a continuous oil in our lamps, our flame can last exponentially longer. The fear of darkness no longer hinges on the feeble strength of a lamp’s wax or wick, but on the oil. Spiritually, the Holy Spirit is our oil, our unlimited strength and power, joy, and peace. May the outpouring of the Spirit’s oil continue to give us what we need every day, to keep the light of Christ burning in and through us.

In this Christmas season, may you take a moment to mediate on the festive lights that signify the miraculous birth of Jesus, the Light of World, who came to illuminate a dark and broken world. May we be His surrendered and obedient lamps.

“You are the light of the world. A city situated on a hill cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and puts it under a basket, but rather on a lampstand, and it gives light for all who are in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.” - Matthew 5:14-16

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Health

Unforgiveness: How It Destroys Your Health

At one point or another, we have all felt betrayed or deeply hurt by someone. Perhaps it was a friend or family member, or someone who bullied us. That pain of injustice and unfairness can create unforgiveness. If you continue to carry it with you, however, it can birth serious health damages with resentment and bitterness.

While we may not think these emotions are related to serious health issues, it’s well-documented that they cause illness- physically, emotionally, mentally, as well as spiritually.

Breaking Down The Stages

Unforgiveness is the choice not to release negative feelings, holding onto the injury instead of moving past it.

Resentment is created by unforgiveness. It’s dwelling on the wrong done to you. It's the constant replaying of an offense in your mind.

Bitterness: If resentment isn't released, it leads into bitterness.

Bitterness triggers chronic stress, releasing hormones like cortisol and increasing adrenaline, which harms the heart (high blood pressure), immune system, and metabolism, potentially leading to heart disease and autoimmune issues. Mentally, it fuels anxiety, depression, anger, and isolation, trapping people in the past, eroding self-worth, and damaging relationships. It disrupts sleep, appetite, and overall degrades one’s quality of life. 

Holding grudges keeps your body in "fight-or-flight," disrupting repair mechanisms and making you vulnerable to illness, while forgiveness activates calming responses for better mental and physical health.

Physical Health Consequences

• Cardiovascular Issues: Constant stress from bitterness elevates heart rate, blood pressure, and stress hormones, increasing risk for heart problems.

• Weakened Immunity: Chronic stress impairs the immune response, making the body more vulnerable to illness.

• Metabolic and Organ Dysfunction: Can lead to broader physiological impairments affecting metabolism and organ function.

• Fight-or-Flight Overload: The body stays in a constant stress state, releasing harmful chemicals like adrenaline and cortisol without a resolution. 

• Digestive Problems: Stress from unforgiveness can manifest as digestive issues like acid reflux, ulcers, or Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). 

• Chronic Pain and Fatigue: Muscle tension, headaches, and general fatigue can result from prolonged stress and emotional turmoil. Persons suffering from chronic stress due to unforgiveness can end up as anorexic or bulimic. 

• Sleep Disturbances: Difficulty falling or staying asleep is common, impacting overall health, weight, and mood. 

Mental and Emotional Health Consequences

• Depression and Anxiety: Linked to persistent low mood, hopelessness, guilt, and anxiety disorders. People who hang on to grudges are more likely to experience severe depression and post-traumatic stress disorder, as well as other health conditions.

• Emotional Paralysis: Prevents moving forward, experiencing joy, and fosters a sense of powerlessness.

• Erodes Self-Worth: Lowers self-esteem and can lead to emotional numbness.

• Aggression & Irritability: Increases anger, hostility, and irritability, affecting how one interacts with the world. 

• Short-term Intense Responses and Paranoid Personality Disorder can also result from carrying bitterness

Social and Relational Consequences

• Social Isolation: Pushes people away, damaging marriages, friendships, and family bonds.

• Damaged Relationships: Makes it hard to give and receive love, leading to broken connections. 

How to Cope

• Forgiveness: Releasing the hold of past wrongs, and not condoning them is crucial.

• Therapy: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and counseling can help process emotions and build coping skills.

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_{†All health information in the articles is exclusively gathered from clinical/medical resources that have been industry vetted, with no conflict of interest in the information they present/publish.} 

_{*Holy Nutrition does not diagnose, treat, or give medical advice. Information provided is not medical advice and should not be relied upon for diagnosis or treatment. Consult with a healthcare provider or medical practitioner for any health concerns, questions, or before making any decisions related to your health. Individual health conditions and needs may vary, and therefore, professional medical advice is essential for personalized guidance. Holy Nutrition is not responsible for any harm or damage resulting from the user's reliance on the information contained in the articles.}