Light of the World

Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” John 8:12

There is snow falling everywhere right now. Overnight the snow had been light and by the time I got up there was about an inch or so on the ground. Within a few hours there is much more snow and the visibility is limited. They are predicting that there will be no visibility at all at the height of the storm, sometime this afternoon. And so I have been thinking about limited visibility and how during the storms of life, the hardest part is often seeing what's out front. The future goes dim in hard times and one can get hopeless. Despite the beauty of the snow, it can get so thick and the winds can pound so hard that glimpsing even steps ahead seems impossible. We will have to be careful as we walk today and look carefully where ever we go.

Into this snowstorm we hear Jesus say, "I am the light of the world." The one thing that helps when the visibility is limited is a constant source of light. A light so that we can see a few steps ahead, a light so that we can cling to hope, a light so that the promised resolutions seem just a bit closer. Among those who heard Jesus, there were those who marveled and those who scoffed. Those of us who hear it in the midst of a storm - physical, emotional or otherwise - know how wonderful the offering of light can be. Rescue is not far off. Release is imminent.

Today, I want to marvel at the storm and give thanks for the light of Christ. The beacon of hope in our darkness, the promise of freedom and redemption and the commitment to rescue and recovery for us all. How real and marvelous that seems today. May we share the light we have today and be moved to recognize and respond to the needs of many who are blinded by the storm.