Light in the Darkness
We remain in the season of Epiphany, which means “manifestation.” More specifically, the season of Jesus’ manifestation as God in flesh, and as the light of the world.
Light draws attention. Who among us can remember large spotlights beaming into the night sky, drawing us to a county fair, a carnival, or a grand opening?
Light also illuminates. We use nightlights in our homes to keep from running into things at night. Light reveals things as they are, not as we fear them to be, or wish them to be.
Jesus’ ministry serves both of these functions of light. He draws people to himself through signs or miracles, through insightful teaching, and through the attraction of a person unhindered by wounds or negative history.
All of these also illuminate. Jesus lives in the same world as everyone else, but his presence changes the way that his followers experience it. Where the world might see scarcity, Jesus reveals abundance. Where the world might see no hope, Jesus offers ultimate hope. Where the world might see fear, Jesus reveals love.
We are the bearers of his abundance, his hope, his love. Alpine is in an extended season of “in between.” In between church as central to the wider community and church as peripheral. In between primary outreach ministries. In between “settled” pastors (I guess that makes me “unsettled,” but I would rather be unsettled than unsettling.)
Many years ago, I was active in Scouting (we called it Boy Scouts then). One of my favorite things to do was night hiking. Sometimes it was back to camp from an activity, sometimes it was a longer trek. We had flashlights if needed, but the light provided by the moon and the stars was more consistent and more helpful in guiding our path and illuminating obstacles.
While we are “in between,” we trust that the light of the world is sufficient to draw us to Himself and to help us see clearly. I’m grateful for your company on the journey.
Grace and Peace,
Pastor Don Wink