"Be the Light"
Today is the last day that my outdoor Christmas lights will be on. It is the same each year. I leave them shining until Epiphany on January 6th. Epiphany means "manifestation." It refers to the moment when God became flesh. It is celebrated on the Sunday closest to it. It also celebrates the gifts of the Wisemen, magi, 3 kings. The best manifestation for Christ is light. That's why we have candles in the worship center. They represent the the presence of Christ in our midst. What this all boils down to for me is an excuse to leave my Christmas lights on as long as possible. I love 'em. It changes the neighborhood at night. It creates a work of art out of an otherwise very normal corner lot. They are a bright spot in the darkness, and anomaly among the norm. Besides, I think they're cool.
After January 6 all goes dark; on the house I mean. Sure I miss seeing them and enjoying them, but the truth is that they are still there. The bulbs are still on the house because I'm not taking them down until the weather gets warmer. I just don't turn them on. Well, if I get a good snow I just can't help myself because they really look cool in the snow. But just because my lights are off does not mean the light is truly gone. Just because January 6 has passed does not mean the incarnation no longer happens. He lives on.
I think you see where I am going. As we all struggle to get back into a routine after the holidays have officially ended, it is important to remember that there is nothing official to faith. It is not confined to a season or a calendar or the electricity that runs my lights. Faith never ends and neither does the spirit of Christmas or the incarnation of Christ. We, who follow Christ, must carry the light with us wherever we go. We must continue to tell of the incarnation long after Christmas is over and the worship service has ended. It's up to us to be the torchbearers of God's greatest message: "I love you so much that I give you my son." (John 3:16) So be the light, be the message. Happy New Year!
Sharing in Faith,
Rev. Craig W. Duke
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