Come to Light

“No one after lighting a lamp covers it with a jar or puts it under a bed, but puts it on a stand, so that those who enter may see the light. For nothing is hidden that will not be made manifest, nor is anything secret that will not be known and come to light. Take care then how you hear, for to the one who has, more will be given, and from the one who has not, even what he thinks that he has will be taken away.” Luke 8:16-18

As I write the sun is slowly making its way up. This time of year, the daylight time is shorter and shorter and sunrise is late due to daylight savings time. Here in Alaska, they promise me that there will be some light in the dead of winter, but not very much. Something I have yet to experience and am praying that I will be able to thrive in the depths of winter here in Sitka and find sources of light for our lives.

Jesus understands the importance of light to the people, the need for oil and other fuels so that darkness doesn't encompass us. He also knows that some of us use the darkness as a cover for anger and hurt and we strike out when we think we are hidden by a blanket of darkness. He wants us to understand that God is with us in the light and the dark, in our bright days and our darkest nights. We are not alone in God. As a sign of our relationship with God, we are challenged to let our light shine, sharing God's light and abundance with people around us.

Today, as the rain comes pouring down, I ask God to help me share the gifts of light and mercy that I have been given. May our circumstances never dictate our generosity and may we light the lamps and be ready for God's love in our lives. May we use what we have been given for the help of others and banish darkness and sadness with our offerings. May God's love shine through us so the world may come to know the light of God.