Betsy Marvin, Elder: Worship, Music & Arts Committee

Reflecting on “Light”—One of my favorite types of day has bright, bright sunshine and cold temperatures, crunchy leaves (or crunchy snow) beneath my feet. In this season, I thank God for bright, crunchy days.

Jane Carden, Youth Ministry Coordinator

“Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:16).

Last summer my husband and I took our real first vacation in many years. We spent several afternoons strolling through the tiny beach town. One particular shop kept catching my attention. I couldn’t go in to town without checking it out. It was a craft co-op that sold the works of local artisans. There were so many beautiful things for sale…quilts, stain glass light catchers, pottery and candles. The candle corner caught my focus. These candles came in all shapes and sizes….butterflies, seashells, flowers…fruit shapes, heart shapes, round shapes. Some were scented, some were not. Some were colorful, some were drab. One afternoon, I was mesmerized by a candle being poured. I said something about the candles being too beautiful to burn. The artist smiled and kept right on working. On the other hand, my always practical husband was puzzled. To him it was just a candle, a source of light. It didn’t matter to him what the color was or what the shape was as long as it had a wick to burn and shed light. Wasn’t that its purpose? That changed my mindset.

          Just as a candle shines light, we too are made to share light. We are all different on the outside. But we all have a wick…we all have the light of Christ within us and according to scripture we are to shine that light before others. Let God’s light shine this Advent season and always…with family, with friends, with strangers…at home, at school, at work…in our neighborhoods, in our communities, in every way. SHINE!

Loving God, Thank you for lighting up my life with your presence. Help me shine Your light always. Help me to share your love in every way. AMEN.