Children of Light

While you have the light, believe in the light, so that you may become children of light.’ After Jesus had said this, he departed and hid from them. Although he had performed so many signs in their presence, they did not believe in him. This was to fulfil the word spoken by the prophet Isaiah: ‘Lord, who has believed our message, and to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed?’ And so they could not believe, because Isaiah also said, ‘He has blinded their eyes and hardened their heart, so that they might not look with their eyes, and understand with their heart and turn— and I would heal them.’ Isaiah said this because he saw his glory and spoke about him. Nevertheless many, even of the authorities, believed in him. But because of the Pharisees they did not confess it, for fear that they would be put out of the synagogue; for they loved human glory more than the glory that comes from God. John 12:36-43

Although as Christians, we are considered children of the light, we often don’t behave that way. We cannot pretend to be faithful and loving while we judge our neighbors, harshly, refused to care for the poor and never visit those in prison. When we need help, we want everybody to run to our aid. When others need help, we turn away from them. And when we spout off about our faith, and then act like we are better than others, we are not children of the light. Jesus came for the healing of the nations and we ought to be a part of that.

Great Creator who deserves to draw people together

You call us to show your love to the world with light

And ask us to show compassion, to aliens and strangers.

We act like Christians on Sundays and savages other days

Trying to get our own way and the most from others

Always wanting to win never wanting to help.

Give us new hearts and new eyesight, dear Lord

So we might see the need around us and respond with joy

Caring your love as children of your light. Amen