Pastor's Message
December 2011
Greetings to the children of God:
On a long winter evening we gather to proclaim the coming of light. Isaiah announces that people who walked in darkness have seen a great light. Paul reminds us that the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all. In the familiar account of Christ’s birth, the evening sky is bright with the heavenly host singing, “Glory to God in the highest.” Amid our broken world we proclaim that the prince of peace is born among us. God comes to us in human flesh – in Christ’s body and blood - so that we may be bearers of divine light to all the world.
[Sundays and Seasons Year B- p.55]
It is one thing to be blind. It is another thing to walk in darkness when a light is offered to you so you can see your way. We are the light bearers of Christ in this world in which we walk and live. Is it possible to carry the light of Christ and still be walking in darkness? Who, in their right mind, would turn away from such light to walk in the shadow of darkness? Can it be possible to rely upon the wrong light?
We may not be as aware of the power of darkness as the ancients because we live with so much artificial light. Does having too much excess to light cause a different kind of darkness? Even without artificial light we have technology that provides us with night vision. Does all this capability to push back darkness and see in it keep us from seeing the light of God’s grace in our lives? We have so many options for being able to walk in darkness without knowing the true light of the world. That is why I find it so amazing that God continues to come into our lives and our world with the flesh and blood of Jesus Christ. God offers us the real light and life of Jesus Christ to enlighten our darkness even as we travel in the artificial light and with deceptive night vision goggles. God gives us Jesus Christ so we might have eyes that can envision Jesus as the prince of peace and the salvation of the world. Thanks be to God!
Jesus said, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will have the light of life." Therefore, let your light so shine before others that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.
[From Evangelical Lutheran Worship –Holy Baptism]
God bless you this year with the Christmas light of Jesus Christ. Darkness and artificial light can’t stop Jesus from being the light and life of the world. It is through grace that we are honored to bear the light of Jesus Christ into the world. Thanks be to God and peace be with you.
One of Christ’s servants,
Pastor Dave - Child of God