Dancing in the Hidden Light

In Him was life, and the life was the Light of men. The Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it. – John 1:4-5

There once was a very poor tzaddik whose church could not afford to pay more than a pittance, not enough to live on. So the tzaddik lived in poverty. Despite this, the elder was happily satisfied with his small portion in life. He would walk about in threadbare clothes with an erect posture, radiating joy.

He loved the Holy Scriptures and would seek out wise teachers so that he could improve his knowledge and understanding of them. On one particular trip, he stopped for the night and asked a local man for shelter. The man would not invite the tzaddik into his home but allowed him to sleep in the barn. “What an honor!” thought the elder, “My Master also was not shown hospitality and was born in a stable!”

However, the Spirit was urging him to worship and pray and he could not rest until he had obeyed. The night was now well established and very dark. The poor tzaddik did not even have a candle by which to see his way or to study the Holy Scriptures. “I have no choice but to worship in the light that was hidden since the days of creation.” He mused.

You see, in the beginning Yahweh created light four creation days before He established the sun for our use. (Genesis 1:3; 16-19). Ancient scholars called this light the “hidden light.” They believed it was the spiritual light that God reserves for His beloved children. Our Lord Jesus was described as “the Light that shines in the darkness” (John 1:4). And prophets tell us that the New Jerusalem will need no sun, moon or candles because God’s glory will illumine it (Revelation 21:23; 22:5).

So that night the elder stood up in the dark and prayed to welcome in God’s day of rest. He used water and dry bread for communion. He meditated on God’s Word. He sang choruses, hymns and spiritual songs, dancing in the hidden light that the Holy Spirit had planted deep within his soul.

Tell me, Christian, are you overwhelmed by your pilgrimage? Is your way rocky and steep? Remember from whence you came and where you are going. Rejoice in the Way of Christ and dance in the presence of the Hidden Light of Christ within you. Spread that Light to others as you hike down life’s trail. After all, "You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven." (Matthew 5:14-16).