The True Light

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being. What has come into being in him was life, and the life was the light of all people. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it. There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. He came as a witness to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him. He himself was not the light, but he came to testify to the light. The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world. He was in the world, and the world came into being through him; yet the world did not know him. He came to what was his own, and his own people did not accept him. But to all who received him, who believed in his name, he gave power to become children of God, who were born, not of blood or of the will of the flesh or of the will of man, but of God. And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory as of a father’s only son, full of grace and truth. (John testified to him and cried out, ‘This was he of whom I said, “He who comes after me ranks ahead of me because he was before me.” ’) From his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace. The law indeed was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. No one has ever seen God. It is God the only Son, who is close to the Father’s heart, who has made him known. John 1:1-18

We have been overwhelmed by reactions and opinions about Renee Good's murder. And things seem to go from bad to worse. No apologies, no admitting wrong, but instead covering up and covering people with lies and misdirection. There is no true defense for such an act of violence. Only actions filled with light and love, grace upon grace, since others would have cruelty and darkness descend. May we be those who step out, carrying the light we have, and gather as one brilliant, shining, glorious version of the True Light, God's love which came into the world and remains in this world through all of us.

Loving Creator, you sent Jesus among us 

to carry love and light, grace upon grace

so that we might be set alight with your love.

Cruelty and violence try to snub it out

Rulers and tyrant try to scream it away

yet the true light is setting us all free.

There is a rough road ahead in these times

yet You walk with us and call on our ancestors

to help us carry the light of your love into this world. Amen.