People of the light
In the darkest season of the year, our Kansas winters provide about nine and a half hours of sunlight a day, as opposed to summer when we receive about 14 and a half hours of sunlight a day. On these shorter, colder days, some of us suffer from the lack of light. We may feel lethargic, sad, and might have more physical aches and pains than we do in the summer months. We long for the extended sunshiny days of spring and summer!
During a very dark period in the history of God’s people, Isaiah prophesied the Messiah’s coming in this way: “The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in a land of deep darkness, a light has dawned.” What words of hope to those who were longing for the light of God’s presence!
Indeed, about 700 years later, Jesus was born on earth as a vulnerable little babe. After he grew in wisdom and stature, he proclaimed, “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)
To be sure, as we read the gospels, we see God’s light radiating from Jesus. Jesus illuminates the way of life before us, modeling how to resist our own ego’s desire for power, control, money, and fame, and teaching us instead to serve in humility, seeing others with the compassionate eyes of God. This seems like a tall order for us, doesn’t it? Perhaps one that only Jesus could truly live out!
But surprisingly, in Matthew 5:14, Jesus tells us that we, too, are light! “You are the light of the world. Let your light shine before others…” We, like Jesus, are given the privilege of radiating God’s light on this earth. We, too, are called to walk humbly, and live with grace and in peace with those around us.
Friends, we are people of the light! We are created in God’s image, and God is light (1 John 1:5). The Apostle Paul, in 1 Thessalonians 5:5, reiterates this, saying, “You are children of the light.”
So, I ask, what are we radiating out into the world? Are we sending out grace and peace? Or are we radiating fear and anxiety? Are we lashing out at others in frustration? Or are we responding to others’ anger with love and curiosity?
I invite you to pay attention to your attitude over the next few weeks. At random times of the day, pause and ask what kind of energy you are sending out to those around you. If you realize you are expressing unhelpful negativity, what can you do to align yourself with the Light, your true nature?
Perhaps it’s time to ask yourself, “How do I want others to remember me?” (As wise author Maya Angelou has said, people don’t remember what you say, but how they feel when they are around you!)
Experiment with this. Pay attention to the energy you are sending out, how it is affecting others, and how it is returning to you. Why should we do this, you ask? Because our world is longing for The Light. We have been given the privilege and joy of radiating God’s love, peace and mercy. Together let us turn up the brilliance of Christ in this world!
- Jill Schmidt Weaver, Independent Living Chaplain, Schowalter Villa