“The people walking in darkness have seen a great light;
on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned.”
Isaiah 9:2
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of all people. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.”
John 1:1–5
“In the same way, let your light so shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”
Matthew 5:16
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
If you are reading the passages above I know you noticed a common image. Light is the image that “shines” through each passage : “a great light”… “a light has dawned”… “the light of all people”… “The light shines”… “let your light shine”. The other image, that of darkness is present as well. The “people walking in darkness”… “a land of deep darkness”… “in the darkness, and the darkness”.
The word of light brings an overwhelming since of joy with the understanding that the light is farmore powerful than the darkness and we, you and I, are part of that light coming to the world.
I am aware more and more that the darkness seems to be overwhelming and in our country and around the world there is a darkness that is looming. War seems to be waging in multiple parts of the world (we of course, are focused in on Ukraine) Fights break out in malls throughout the United States and every day we hear of gun violence. Wars, death and destruction seem to be all we hear of… people not caring for others lives but a promotion of a warped message of fear… shootings in schools… trucks running through crowds… and the list goes on. Yet, it is so important for us to remember that the “light shines in the darkness and the darkness has NOT over come it!”
The light was promised in Isaiah’s writings… fulfilled, as John opens his Gospel, in Jesus, the Word… and sent forth in and through US… you and me! We are connected in deep ways to God’s promise and action to bring light to a world of deep darkness. We, as believers, cannot separate ourselves from the desire of God to bring life and light to the world for from our “baptism” we are sent forth to bring glory to God and represent Christ to the world. Through the Holy Spirit God’s light shines through us in our words and actions overcoming the darkness in the world around us.
Do you ever think of yourself as being a “light” in someone else’s darkness?
Do you ever wonder if God “really” does use YOU to bring the “light” of hope to someone else?
Do you ever wish you weren’t the “light” Jesus needed to touch the world?
I’m happy to say, “You ARE a “light” in someone’s darkness!” and “God IS using YOU to
bring the “light” of hope to someone!” and “Whether you like it or not Jesus is going to use
YOU to touch the world with God’s “light”! SO, it is time to live out of that “LIGHT”!
We live out the “light” of Christ through our actions and words. The way we interact with those around us, those we know and those we don’t, should give the “light” of Christ fuel to be aflame in the darkness. The way we share our time, talents and treasures for God’s ministry is another way that we open up to shine the “light” of Christ in the world.
You have an opportunity to shine in many ways and hopefully in and through your ministry at Bethel you will shine the “light” of Christ all the more. It is time for you to re-connect!
In Christ,
Pastor Barb
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