A number of years ago, my then minister, Rev. Dr. Karen Dimock, preached a sermon in which she talked about light. She reminded us that the light of Jesus’ time was the light of an oil lamp not the light of a light bulb and certainly not the light of a spot light. Her point was simple, the light Jesus describes does not usually allow us to see the end of our journey or even the whole picture; often it only allows us to see the next step.
This year this image has taken on particular significance for me, not just in our need to live one step at a time, but also as a fitting description of most of us. Our lives are not typically grand bright shiny affairs, our light shines more like a candle or the oil lamp of Jesus’ day.
As we come to the end of what is the strangest year most of us have experienced, I am most grateful for the small and gentle light that others have brought to my life. I am grateful for
- A phone call on a day when I was feeling low
- A text telling me to check my front steps for a small gift
- A kind word and recognition for the ministry we are trying to provide
- An email letting me know that I am remembered
- An adult beverage (socially distanced) in the backyard where for a time we can pretend things are normal
This has not been a year for grand gestures; we have not been able to undertake large plans or impressive programs. Instead, as Jesus describes us, we have been asked to be the light of the world; the lamp on the stand.
As we look forward to 2021, it is with great uncertainty, but even greater hope. In the midst of hope for a vaccine and the lifting of restrictions and a return to ‘normal’, our greater hope is to be found in our love for each other and in our Saviour who is the light of the world.
Happy New Year!
“You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hid. 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. 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. (Matthew 5:14-16)