The Livermore Light bulb

Fire station 6 in Livermore, California, draws visitors from all over the world. They come to see the world’s most famous light bulb, a 60-watt bulb installed in 1901 which has been shining for over 115 years. 

That light bulb continues to baffle scientists who can’t explain how it has managed to glow for so long. Physicists discovered that the bulb’s filament, the heart of the bulb, is about eight times thicker than that of   an ordinary bulb, giving it extraordinary durability. 

Also, since a bulb which is turned on and off will typically have a much shorter life span, the fact that this bulb shines 24 hours a day is part of the secret. That light bulb in Livermore is a tangible reminder for me that if we consider the words of Jesus, we’ll want to let others see the loving light of God constantly shining through us. 

Like the filament in that bulb, God calls us to radiate light continuously, year after year. Jesus said, ‘You are the light of the world’, and ‘Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven’ (Matthew 5:14, 16). It is our privilege to glorify God and to share his light with others, so that they may glorify God as well.

Prayer: Jesus, Light of the World, help us to share your light of love with those who pass through our lives. Amen