Every two years the world comes together to watch the Olympics. The air is filled with excitement; athletes hopes, dreams and destinies just waiting to be fulfilled. The voice of Jim McKay (may he rest in peace) echoes “the thrill of victory and the agony of defeat.” Visions of the Olympic rings, medalists standing on the podium, the parade of nations and the Olympic flame traveling thousands of miles to its next destination, fill our minds. The flame represents unity, peace and continuity; bridging the past and the present.

The Olympic Games originated in 776 BC in Olympia, Greece as a religious festival in honor of Zeus. The torch relay wasn’t a thing back then, but a sacred fire was kept burning on the altar of Hestia during the Games. It was central to the ancient Games and inspired the current torch lighting tradition in the modern era.

Modern Olympic torches found in the Panathenaic Stadium museum in Athens.

Today the Olympic flame is ignited every two years in front of the ruins of the temple of Hera in Olympia. It is then transported (primarily by runners) to the Panathenaic Stadium in Athens, Greece where it is officially passed to the host country. And so its journey begins; crossing into new frontiers. It will travel over mountains, across lakes and rivers, through countrysides, small towns and major cities. People will line its path just to catch a glimpse.

Built entirely of white marble, the Panathenaic Stadium in Athens, Greece was excavated and rebuilt for use in the first modern day Olympic Games in 1896. The original stadium was constructed c. 338 – 330 BC and refurbished c. 140 -144 BC.

On the Day of Pentecost, Jesus passed his torch via the Holy Spirit to the apostles. They crossed into new frontiers (e.g. Turkey, Persia, Greece, India and Rome). People filled amphitheaters, synagogues and homes to hear them preach.

They took the light and spread it to others as Jesus instructed them to do. “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations.”

While the flame of the host city’s cauldron is extinguished after the completion of the Games, it is only a temporary hiatus until the next games where the sun will spark the flame again and it will start it’s new journey.

God’s light is always present in His Son. Jesus is the light of the world and he who follows him will not walk in darkness but have the light of life (John 8:12). He has instructed us to “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.”

How bright does your light shine? How will you carry the torch forward?