“Light” is a constant image throughout scripture. It’s there in Genesis 1:3 – “And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light.” It’s there in the Psalms – “The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear?” (Psalm 27:1)
It’s there from Jesus: “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)
I write this 24 hours after attending a candlelight vigil in Toowoomba, Queensland in memory of young mother Jana Armstrong, cruelly at the hands of the evil of domestic violence. Another “light” text comes to mind amid the vigil: so evocatively for these times, it’s there at the start of John’s gospel:
“The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” (John 1:5)
I find myself reminded more and more, amid the realities of our world and communities, of Jesus’ declaration: “You are the light of the world.” (Matthew 5:14a)
That’s the call for we of faith, in our communities of faith to “be the light”. Our worshipping life: through symbol, the preached Word, through intergenerational engagement and particularly through the creative arts gives us discipleship-engaging opportunities to name Christ as light and the Spirit-blessed opportunity to be that light – light in our communities. Light both draws us in and sends us out.
Within weeks of the horrors of last December’s Bondi massacre and with the John 1 oft-Christmas-applied reading still fresh with me, I wrote a simple Taize’-like chant with the words of John 1:5.
https://youtu.be/yDkuEFOGF9k?si=SOB5tpYX8E63dLvH
I … each one of us are each day called to “be the light” … and our times of connection with worship, liturgy and the arts by the promoting of the Spirit … they wonderfully help us there.
Peace, salaam, shalom,
David MacGregor (Rev)
Prayer
Lord Jesus,
You are the Light that shines in the darkness.
When our hearts are heavy, be our hope.
When our community grieves, make us people of compassion.
When fear and violence threaten, make us courageous peacemakers.
Show us how to shine—not for our own reputation,
but so that others might glimpse your love, your justice and your peace.
May we, may our communities of faith in you become known as where hope lives,
where mercy is practised,
where kindness flourishes,
and where your light is never hidden.
For your kingdom’s sake.
Amen.