A Light in the Window

A Light in the Window

Susan Hoyle, pastor Trinity UMC

It’s that time of year when the days are shorter and it gets dark about 5:00 p.m.  The wind has been cold these last few days and the sunshine has been a blessing.  All of a sudden we’re in the middle of fall with winter approaching much too soon.  Our thoughts turn towards keeping warm, getting the coats out and long winter nights.  When we go to bed those comforters quilts and blankets feel so good.  We can’t believe Thanksgiving is just over a week away.  We’re just not ready for all of this!

Yet, there is something that gives us comfort, even on those long, cold nights.  Something that holds meaning, even if we’ve never thought much about it.  And that something is lights.  Lights?  You know the lights we turn on in our homes or perhaps we leave them on when we’re gone somewhere.  Isn’t it comforting when we turn on the lights when we step into a dark house?  Isn’t it comforting when we drive up or walk up to our homes and we see a light all ready turned on?  When the world outside is full of darkness, the lights of our homes, our businesses, our churches, bring us a sense of peace and welcome.  And don’t we all want to feel welcome?

The lights in our homes give us that sense of comfort and there is another light that gives us more comfort than all the lights in the world.  And that light is the light of Christ. The light of Jesus shines for us to light our path, to provide us with His comfort and to illuminate the world in a way that shows us the journey He wants us to travel. 

The Christ light is revealed to us in so many ways.  It is revealed through Holy Scripture, worship, holy conversation and just in sitting with Him and sharing our day.  His light gives us strength, offers us hope and encouragement even on our darkest days.  His light welcomes us and holds us close.  His light is all we need.

The light of Christ is not only for us; it is to be shared with others.  Each time we reach out to serve, each time we share laughter, each time we offer a word of caring, His light shines through us.  We have received His light and now we are told to go into the world and let His light shine.  Without us, as Scripture tells us, how will others know about Him?  Without us, how will others know there is a light that is more comforting, welcoming and loving than any light they have ever known?  Yes, it is up to us to share His light.

How will you share the light of Christ this holiday season?  Will you invite someone to Thanksgiving dinner who has no family?  Will you share your abundance with others so they have a great Thanksgiving meal too?  Will you call someone and tell him or her how grateful you are for all they have done for you in your life?  Yes, how will the light of Christ shine through you this holiday season? 

Let your light shine…amen.