I like sparkling, glittery things—cut crystals, glitter pictures, sparkling snow globes, fresh snow on the ground at night that sparkles as I walk through it, the dancing flames of a bonfire, the twinkling lights at Christmas time shining through fresh snow, frosty diamonds on windows and frost on an early fall morning, early morning dew on the grass, stars in the sky on a cloudless night, drusy quartz crystals on fossils and in geodes, mica flakes in mountain granite rocks, the crystal forms of azurite and malachite, sunlight sparkling on a lake or pond, a twinkle in someone's eye, even fake diamonds on my cheap watch, …….
One of my expectations of heaven is sparkles. I'm not sure how God has special sparkles planned for me, but I am pretty sure that they will be there! Maybe the flower petals will sparkle! Or maybe the tree leaves will be different shades of green sparkles. Maybe the animals will have fur that sparkles! I know that one of the things that will be special in my mansion will be some glitter and twinkle and iridescence!!!! I love the rainbow effect of CDs, and I think I want one of my heavenly robes to have that iridescent sparkling look!
One of my favorite things about summertime and especially around the Fourth of July are the fireflies. Back when my father was still with us, he would try to take us all to an overlook hill for a nearby town that had a grand fireworks show every year. And for me, it was special for another reason besides the sky show. As we waited for the lights in the sky to start, the light show on the ground came first. It started slowly—just a few twinkling glittering flickering lights flashing here and there above the soybean field. As we waited, the lights across the field grew in number until there were thousands. It was one of my favorite things to see. It always amazes me how on a hot, steamy, summer night as soon as the sun goes down, thousands of these little lights often rise up in unison to bring breathtaking beauty to a field. I have watched children enjoying the joy of capturing fireflies. All the memories of being a little girl came back. I remember sometimes going into the house for an old canning jar and then to go out to the yard, so I could capture some in the jar and watch the twinkling—now in my jar! Once in a while, a firefly gets into the house. Then the lonely firefly flashes here and there in our house, never finding a friend. Or sometimes they tragically end up on a windshield at night and the glow can continue for several miles before it finally fades away!
Fireflies are amazing little creatures. They are not a fly or a bug but are a beetle. They are the most efficient lights in the world. God and fireflies are the only things which produce 100% light. Here are some interesting facts about fireflies which will make you appreciate these small beetles even more. A firefly produces light called luciferin. There is a chemical reaction which takes place in their abdomens which causes them to light up. I’m not a scientist and I can’t explain how it is done but google can. Fireflies use their light to either warn predators they are not tasty eating or to attract a mate. I didn't know this when I was younger, I just liked the twinkling. When they are attracting a mate, they fly in a “J” form! They truly are "Jesus Glitter" on a dark night! When you have an opportunity, stop and take notice of these twinkling little diamonds in the sky who were created to bring us joy among other things. What a wonderful and marvelous God to give us such beauty on a summer evening.
A glow worm is not exactly the same as a firefly, though they are closely related and both belong to the same beetle family, Lampyridae. Fireflies are beetles that can fly, while glow worms are either the larval stage of fireflies or adult females that may be flightless. Many people use the terms interchangeably, but it's more accurate to say that glow worms are a type of firefly, specifically the ones that are larvae or wingless adult females. I haven't seen a glow worm in "forever!" But I remember seeing them several times when I was a child. They were a special nighttime walk find. I am so glad that God considers me special. Even if I am as a lowly "glowing" worm, He still thinks I am special enough that He wants me to be with Him in heaven.
Did you know the two rare chemicals, luciferin and luciferase, which fireflies produce are used in research on cancer, multiple sclerosis, cystic fibrosis and heart disease? I didn't! God in His infinite wisdom has created every living thing to bring Him honor and glory! Who would think a small firefly would have such an important purpose and impact in God’s kingdom? Many people would shrug off a firefly as nothing more than a nuisance, but there is so much more to these little creatures than what meets the eye. Think about this, if a firefly can have such an incredible impact in God’s Kingdom, what about you? Our biggest blessings can come as a result of doing the smallest things God asks us to do.
God created fireflies with an innate ability to communicate through the use of light. Bioluminescence is the phenomenon of light emission by living organisms. This is exhibited in many insects, but best by lightning bugs. Each lightning bug species has a specific flash pattern. Certain lightning bugs flash continuously. Others utilize single flashes. Some incorporate a series of multi-pulsed flashes, while a few don’t flash at all.
Lightning bugs are a lot like Christians. God recreated us with an ability we are born with to be light in a dark world. Some of our lights flash continuously, while some of our lights tend to be on the blink or do not function at all. Matthew 5:16 says, “In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in Heaven.” We are all called to be lightning bugs, fireflies for Jesus, as the magnificence of His presence shines through our very lives. It is the light from within that makes a firefly attractive. A lightning bug without its light is nothing more than an ugly beetle. It is the Light from within that makes a believer attractive. A life enlightened by Him is never satisfied with darkness, but rather seeks to shine in order to draw others from the perils of the night.
Fireflies are tiny in the grand scheme of things. But compared to the darkness all around them, their light is so very bright. It beckons. It attracts. It invites. It draws the eyes. Fireflies, with their captivating light displays, offer a beautiful analogy for Christians. Just as fireflies use light to communicate and attract, believers are called to let their good deeds shine as a beacon, reflecting God's love and drawing others to Him. This light, like the firefly's bioluminescence, comes from within, from a relationship with Christ, and is meant to be shared with the world.
Each firefly species has a unique distinct flash pattern, just as each Christian has unique gifts and talents to share God's love in their own way. Fireflies use their light to find mates, and Christians are called to be lights that will attract others to Christ through their actions and words. Fireflies are most visible in the darkness, and Christians are called to be a light, shining in a world that is often filled with darkness and despair.
Just as a firefly doesn't hide its light, believers are encouraged to let their good deeds be seen, not to boast, but to glorify God. We never want to be the one that hides our light. Hiding my light under a bush or basket is not what God expects of me.
While individual fireflies are beautiful, a group of them creates a dazzling display. Similarly, Christians working together can have a powerful impact on the world.
Spend some time reflecting on how your "light" is shining. Are you actively sharing God's love with others? Are you using your unique gifts and talents to make a difference? Be like fireflies, radiating His light and bringing hope to those around us. But I don’t want to flicker as fireflies do. I want my light to be continuous as the glow worm, on all the time, to be so strong, and I want people to be drawn to the light of the world through me, to the light of life, to Jesus.
Not too far away from our area, is a casino and reservation. Back when they were trying to make people aware of what they were offering, they used a huge spotlight. pointing up into the sky. Often, we would come home from a trip to see our sons at college and drive through this area. We watched for the huge beam of light pointing up into the heavens and could see it miles away. You could not miss the beam of light as it definitely got our attention. The light of God's Word gets our attention and points our way to Heaven. Today, huge spotlights are not being used as much. Instead, there are laser light shows and drone light shows! Both make the sky glitter and get our attention with dazzling displays that twinkle and sparkle.
Laser light shows create visually stunning displays that are often set to music, and can be seen in planetariums, concerts, and other entertainment places. These shows feature laser light beams, dynamic music, and special effects to entertain. They can range from simple beam displays set with music to more complex, choreographed light shows with various colors, patterns, and even 3D effects. Laser light is created when atoms or molecules are energized and release light. The light is then manipulated by mirrors and other optical components to create the desired shapes, patterns, and effects. I am entertained by the special effects with all the sparkling glowing light effects. But there is a But! The But comes in the form of entertainment But do I find God and His special light just as entertaining, and do I want to spend the time watching for His light and the special effects that only He can provide. That will always be the best show of all for me!
I like these thoughts on light—God's light! Light in the Bible is often used to symbolize goodness, truth, God's presence, and salvation, while darkness represents evil, sin, and spiritual ignorance. God is frequently identified as the source of all light, and Jesus is proclaimed as the "light of the world".
The Bible frequently portrays God as the ultimate source of light, representing His holiness, goodness, and divine presence.
"God said, 'Let there be light,' and there was light." This act of creation establishes light as a fundamental aspect of God's creative power.
Psalm 27:1 declares, "The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear?" This verse connects God's light with protection and salvation.
1 John 1:5 says, "God is light, and in him is no darkness at all." This verse emphasizes God's purity and opposition to evil.
Jesus is identified as the "light of the world" in the New Testament and signifies that Jesus reveals God's truth, offers salvation, and leads believers out of spiritual darkness. John 1:4-5 says, "In him was life, and that life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it." This verse highlights Jesus's role as the source of life and has ultimate victory over darkness.
Light is often used as a metaphor for truth, wisdom, and understanding.
Psalm 119:105, "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path." This connects God's word with guidance and direction.
Light symbolizes goodness, righteousness, and salvation, while darkness represents evil and sin. Ephesians 5:8 says, "For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light." This verse encourages believers to live according to God's light.
Light can also represent God's presence, protection, and favor.
Isaiah 9:2 states, "The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shone." This verse connects light with God's intervention and deliverance.
Darkness is the opposite and used for evil, sin, ignorance, and despair.
John 3:19 says, "And this is the judgment: the light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the light because their works were evil." This contrasts the preference for darkness with the desire for light.
Light in the Bible is a powerful symbol that represents God's nature, Jesus's role as the Savior, and the positive qualities associated with faith and righteousness. It stands in contrast to darkness, which symbolizes evil and spiritual ignorance.
The Bible tells many stories of light, both literal and symbolic, representing God's presence, guidance, and salvation. From the first act of creation, where God said "Let there be light," to Jesus declaring himself the "light of the world," the Bible uses light as a powerful metaphor for divine intervention and spiritual enlightenment. Genesis 1:3-5: God's first act of creation is bringing forth light, separating it from darkness. This establishes light as a fundamental aspect of creation and a symbol of God's goodness. Then there was a cloud of the light of God's Presence that led the Israelites by day throughout their travels. The plague of darkness in Egypt emphasizes the power of light and its absence, with a darkness so thick it could be felt, contrasting with the light experienced by the Israelites. Psalm 104:2: God is described as clothed in light, highlighting his divine nature and all His Glory. Jesus as the Light of the World: In John 8:12, Jesus declares, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life," emphasizing his role in providing spiritual guidance and salvation. Matthew 5:14-16: Jesus also tells his followers that they are the "light of the world," encouraging them to let their light shine before others through good works. And in Psalm 119:105: The psalmist speaks of God's word as a lamp for their feet and a light for their path, highlighting the Bible as a source of guidance. Acts 9:3, 17: The story of Paul's conversion on the road to Damascus, where he is blinded by a heavenly light and later healed, illustrates how God's light can break through darkness and bring transformation.
The book of Revelation describes a future where there is no need for a lamp or the sun, for the Lord God will be the light and the Lamb will be its lamp, signifying the ultimate fulfillment of God's presence and glory.
These are just a few examples of the many ways the Bible uses light as a powerful symbol of God's presence, guidance, and salvation. The Bible encourages me to embrace the light of Christ and allow it to illuminate my life and the world around me.
And just for the Firefly Psalm 104: 24,
O Lord, what a variety of things you have made!
In wisdom you have made them all. The earth is full of your creatures.
Go and shine and glitter for God—every day!