The Light of Christ

It was early August, but we were huddled under blankets trying to stay warm. Leaning back in our camp chairs, we were staring at the night skies waiting for the meteors to streak across the skies. It was the height of the Perseid Meteor Shower. We understood we might see as many as 100 shooting stars per minute. Our hope was that we might be able to see them better high in the Colorado mountains, away from the city lights. Our eyes adjusting to the darkness, we began to see the lights streak across the skies.

They first were dim, darting so quickly we wondered whether our eyes were playing tricks with our minds.  Others were flashing in our peripheral vision. Others were brighter but short-lived. And then . . . a solitary, very bright “star” shot across the night sky from north to south leaving behind a lingering line of light in its path.  Perhaps it was our eyes. Perhaps it was an impression left imprinted upon our minds. Regardless, it was unmistakable. Amid uttered “oohs” and “ahhs”, a line of light remained embossed upon the black sky, then faded ever so slowly for long moments though the meteor had burned away. The impression left still remains unforgettable! 

Afterward, laying in our warm bed, other “lights” began to come to mind. I began to recall “shining lights” that have shone in my life. Some were dim, fleeting, and brief. A kind word. A piece of advice. A compliment. An act of kindness. A card, text, a brief note. A helping hand. Though momentary, they left behind an impression. Some were observed in the periphery . . . directed toward someone else but a blessing to me as I observed the light left behind by kind gesture or word. These, too, have left behind a lasting streak of light in the peripheries of my memory. Others painted an unmistakable stroke of light that is not only lasting, but life-changing. These are those who left a permanent imprint that shaped me for life.

I thank God for the “lights” He has placed in my life! My loving parents taught and lived the value of integrity, honesty, hard work, kindness, loyalty, and a caring heart. They, along with Sunday teachers, youth leaders, and caring parishioners loved me with the love of Christ, shining the light of His love into my life. My wife, children, and grandchildren have loved me unconditionally, despite the flaws I possess and display. So many – friends, co-workers, fellow church members, youth group members, neighbors, and even some I might call strangers – have served to shine the light of Christ in my life. God used all of them to shape me, guide me, and sustain me. Most of all, they pointed me to Jesus, the “Light of the world”. For that, I am eternally grateful!

And you? 

• Whom has God placed in your life as “light” in your life? 
• How did they serve as God’s shining “lights”?
• In what specific ways have they served as a “light” along life’s path?
• How have they enabled you to walk as a one of God’s “children of light”?
• Whom do you know that needs to know “the Light of the world”? 
• How might God use you to shine His “light” into their lives?

In conclusion, I thank God for the “light” demonstrated through you in my life!

May the Light of Christ be yours!

Pastor Tim

“In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.”  Matthew 5:16