Shine the Light

by Dr. Brooks

Matthew 5:14-16 (NRSV)

14 “You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hid. 15 No one after lighting a lamp puts it under the bushel basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.

I want to thank everyone who made our Easter celebration such a meaningful morning of worship and praise.  I am so thankful for the ways that God walked with us as we journeyed through Lent and Holy Week.  Even more am I thankful and humbled by God’s love for us as we know it through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Many thanks to you who provided worship leadership, flowers, music, and other service to our worshipping communities.  What a glorious morning of baptisms and communion shared well.  The sounds of our praise from our chancel choir and band and soloist and congregation were uplifting.  

Jesus calls us to let our light shine so that other may give glory to God.  Every word we share, every song we sing, each time we set the table of the Lord, each bulletin we hand out, and so much more is an opportunity for us to let our light shine.   Our brothers and sisters of faith, our guests are encouraged when you share the light of your love for Jesus.

Living in the light is healthy for us.  In the light we benefit from the vitamin D from the sun.  In the light we find reconciliation for the brokenness experienced in the dark.  In the light we see more clearly how God loves those with whom we share ministry.  

As we journey from Easter into the summer months, let us be resolved to shine our light.  The bushel basket of brokenness need not dim the brightness of our community.  Though our formal, corporate confession in worship ceased with Lent, let us each continue to be humble in our prayers in the hope that we will be pleasing to God and a hope for others.

Be alert and aware for among us are many lights to illumine the way forward.  Thanks be to God for gracing us with mercy and justice.  Thanks be to God for the love we know best through Jesus Christ.