Bill Ramsay, Elder; Membership and Evangelism Committee

When I think of Advent and Light, I remember:

• The feeling of rebirth of the soul;
• The joy in singing the most beautiful music of this beautiful season of the church year;
• The joy and giving and receiving of fridship, love, and gifts.

 

Martha Tollers, Elder; Worship, Music & Arts Committee Chair

Reflecting on “Light”—I imagine:

The spreading of light—God’s light—within accompanies the is spreading of God’s love within one’s self. It is finding one’s self warm and calm and loved. Being warm and calm and loved, one can then share love outwardly. I think of the song: “This little light of mine…”

Ellen Rye, Elder; Youth Ministry Committee

Reflecting on “Light”—In this season of long cold evenings, we are reminded of the coming Birth of Jesus and the brilliant light he brings to our hearts. As the days grow shorter and the nights longer; we look forward to the coming birth of Jesus, who brings the light of hope, justice, and mercy.

Peg Rachfal, Elder; Membership & Evangelism Committee Co-Chair

Reflecting on “Light”—I think of:

• Flickering firelight on a cold evening;
• Arriving home to a dark, cold house that becomes filled with warmth, children’s laughter, the smells of dinner cooking, and the light of family;
• The light of the Christmas Eve service—candles flickering as they are lit during “Silent Night” and the added excitement of worshipping in our renovated sanctuary;
• God’s light, that follows us wherever we are.

Martha Langford, Associate Pastor for Congregational Care

Reflecting on  “Light”—The days are shorter now, so light seems precious—perhaps even as precious as the gifts those far-off kings brought the infant Jesus. I imagine them following the star through wilderness and wasteland, and wonder if that is not precisely the tenacity needed to follow Christ today.

God, grant us such tenacity so that we might follow your light wherever it leads us. AMEN.

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.