In the book, Fearing Bravely, McNiel illustrates Jesus’s intention for the kingdom by pointing to his own illustration: salt and light. Jesus claimed that his followers were the light of the world, the salt of the earth. McNiel tells the story using more modern imagery: Christmas lights. One family might string tiny lights around their home, adding beauty to the world—but with little impact overall. But when most of the houses in a neighborhood—or city or country—do the same, suddenly everything is lit with festivity. Loving our neighbors is something we need to do together, each of us doing our part, lighting up the whole world (58–61).