John Wilkinson, Pastor

Usually we perceive light to be a good thing. It provides warmth and illumination. But is the illumination always good? Good? Yes! Always easy? Perhaps not.
          An example... Recently, John Pilato (our wonderful lead sexton) replaced the overhead light bulbs in the chapel with a brighter, more powerful bulb. Suddenly, we were able to see better, more clearly, more brightly. We could read easily and see the beautiful details of that beautiful room. At the same time, we were able to see more clearly some work that needs done in the chapel, some worn out areas that had not always received the kind of care needed. Some of it is simply cleaning and maintenance. Some might have to wait until the next capital campaign! Either way, it was only with increased light were we able to see what needed attention.
          So was that good? Yes! Easy? Not necessarily, but surely needed in order for the chapel to be well-maintained and functioning at its best so that it can support our worship life.
          Perhaps Advent, or faith itself, can be that light that gives enhanced illumination and therefore heightened focus on what needs attention and care—in our church, in our world, in our lives.
          Jesus—whose birth we anticipate—is called the light of the world. As light, he illuminates and clarifies. Easy? Not always! Good? Absolutely?
God of light, help us to prepares our hearts and our world for the coming of Jesus, who is the light of the world. Help us tend to whatever needs illumination, so that we may live always into your promise. AMEN.