and so light appeared

Mornings are dark; the days get shorter. The local chickens lay fewer eggs. I just ordered a sunrise simulation alarm clock. Reading the reviews, I am reminded of the many effects of light- and darkness. On mood, health, and motivation.

“People don’t light a lamp and then put it in a closet or under a basket. Rather, they place the lamp on a lampstand so that those who enter the house can see the light.” Luke 11:33 (CEB)

My lighting designer was home from college for the weekend, so we adjusted the track lights to optimize output. For reading and art. When people arrive at night, I want them welcomed with warmth. Highlighting colorful geometry, swirling petals, and the painting of an Italian kiss. 

“Your eye is the lamp of your body. When your eye is healthy, your whole body is full of light. But when your eye is bad, your whole body is full of darkness.” Luke 11:34 (CEB)

The print on the menu has gotten so small! I adjust the font size on my phone. And schedule an eye doctor appointment. Like many aspects of aging, this development takes me by surprise. As if it wasn’t supposed to apply to me. 

Jesus’ illustrations of light and lamps and eyes resonate this season. How do I see? What do I miss? Last week, a deer bounded across the street on my morning walk. Too quick for the eyes of my three-year-old companion, but the dog straining at her leash confirmed the unlikely sight. 

This morning in Urbana, I slowed for… a cat? a loose dog? a fox!!! loping through the neighborhood, crossing boldly in front of my car. No photographic evidence. I witnessed this spectacle alone. On my short commute. Driving with the light in my eyes all the way across town. How do I see it?

“Therefore, see to it that the light in you isn’t darkness.” Luke 11:35 (CEB)

The light in me. The light in you. “See to it…” Jesus says. How do I attend to the light within? For my own sake. For those who enter my house. Or who recognize me. Unshowered in my gym clothes, dropping off a kid at school. That pastor. From the newspaper. From the service at Pastor Ervin’s church. 

“If your whole body is full of light—with no part darkened—then it will be as full of light as when a lamp shines brightly on you.” Luke 11:36 (CEB)

My mind. My body. My emotions. My spirit. Bringing my whole self into the light of God. The light ignited within. In sight of the world and people around me. Perspectives matter. My thoughts and actions affect how I perceive the light. And how I allow my light to shine. Not in a closet, but on a stand. 

God said, “Let there be light.” And so light appeared. God saw how good the light was. Genesis 1:3-4a (CEB)

May we be lit. From within and without. May we experience the goodness of the light. In ourselves and in others. And may we allow it to shine through us to the world. 

-Renée
Bulletin: 10/13
Order of service: 10/13
Sermon: Responding to the Call

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