light: Red Letter Challenge

I don’t believe I have ever been afraid of the dark. I have let my imagination run wild while walking along a dark path or through a dark room, but I would suggest this is different than fear.

Recognizing there is a type of “healthy” fear which can protect us, for me fear is that emotion which overrides the rational part of the brain, paralyzing us and leaving us unable to think and act as we might otherwise. (I do fear heights even through I’ve never fallen a great distance or even spent that much time way up high…irrational, I know.)

So again, I’m not really afraid of the dark.

I’d like to believe I’m not afraid because I am a child of light. I belong to Christ, the Light of the World.

When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

John 8:12 (New International Version)

Never walk in darkness? Not physically, but spiritually. Light and dark. Day and night. They follow patterns and cycles.

But the Light of Christ knows no space or time. The Light of Christ shines brighter than the noonday. The Light of Christ has pushed back the Darkness so that all can walk in the Light.

And even though I’m still stumbling my way through the wilderness of Lent, I have hope. If the little bit of Light I reflect from Christ joins the little bit of Light you reflect, our reflection shines brighter. As more and more reflections are added the power of the reflection increases. And if we come together and let the Light of Christ shine through us, we too will push back the dark.

As Jesus tells us…

Here’s another way to put it: You’re here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We’re going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you don’t think I’m going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I’m putting you on a light stand. Now that I’ve put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand—shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you’ll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven.

Matthew 5:14-16 (The Message)

So neighbors, let’s shine! Let’s let the whole world know the Light is Life and the Life is for everyone!

Life is better together,
Shawn