You Are the Light of the World
“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead, they put it on its stand, giving everyone in the house light. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify God in heaven.” Matthew 5:14-16
A few of us picked up the luminaries the day after Christmas. It allowed us to look more closely at the artwork hand-drawn on each bag. People of all ages took the time to decorate the bags. Some included carefully sketched scenes, and little hands obviously offered others. Some featured symbols of Christmas love, still others humorous cartoon drawings of the Grinch, and more.
Scores of volunteers from our community partner, For All Ages, put the luminaries together, placing sand, a cup, and a candle in each bag. Yet more volunteers from SUM placed and lit them before our first service on Christmas Eve. Many hands and hearts went into creating the lovely scene they made adorning our church.
That evening, Pastor Gene’s sermon was titled “Step into the Light.” The luminary path gave us a tangible way to experience it. His message reminded us that in a world often overshadowed by darkness, the metaphor of light has been a timeless symbol of hope, guidance, and divine presence. This metaphorical light is a beacon of love, kindness, and spiritual clarity that can dispel the darkness of ignorance, hatred, and despair.
Compassionate actions, inspired by a sense of divine love, can transform lives and communities. Whether it's offering a helping hand to the less fortunate, comforting those in sorrow, or advocating for justice and equality, each act becomes a flicker of God's light in the world's shadows.
In a world that often grapples with division and strife, taking God's light means fostering unity and understanding. Embracing diversity and promoting tolerance are integral to this journey. By recognizing the divine spark in every individual, regardless of differences, we contribute to building a more harmonious and inclusive world.
Likewise, sharing God's light is about being a source of inspiration and encouragement for those navigating the complexities of life. This can be achieved through teaching, mentoring, or simply being a supportive presence in the lives of others.
Taking God's light to the world requires resilience in the face of adversity. It involves a commitment to maintaining one's own spiritual well-being. Regular practices of prayer, meditation, and reflection become essential to replenish and strengthen the internal reservoir of divine light. We do this individually and in community with each other.
Taking God's light to the world is a profound and transformative endeavor. It involves performing acts of kindness, fostering unity, and sharing wisdom. In a world often shrouded in darkness, everyone has the potential to be a beacon of God's light, collectively contributing to a brighter, more compassionate world.
- Deacon Deb