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Jesus said, 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
What an unusual winter! Last year at this time we could hardly see the play yard fence and the bare ground was a distant memory. It was cold, snowy, slippery and dark, in spite of all that white snow. Today, the light shines clearly, the ground isn't frozen or muddy, and the cherry tree outside the church entrance is already showing buds! Each warmer-than-usual day seems to pull us further into thoughts of spring, even as the old New England adage about the weather - wait an hour and it will change - cautions us not to be too grabby. And the much earlier arrival of Lent (Ash Wednesday is February 22nd) only adds to the sense of hurry.
Of course, we have had our share of winter flu and cold, keeping Kleenex and the urgent care clinic more than busy, and slowing us down some in spite of the almost balmy weather. Perhaps that, too, calls us to look ahead, to renewed energy and healthier days.
And yet, I invite you to pause a while in this post-Epiphany season and savor the light. Reflect on the ways you have noticed God appearing in your life, lighting your way through these snow-free days. Perhaps the respite from the usual ravages of winter has allowed you to continue your daily walks. Perhaps you have been able to be in closer touch with friends and family. Maybe you have used your shovel time (or recuperating time!) to read a book or make a meal to share, to have a time for prayer or a chance to get organized for the year ahead.
The same is true for the collective "us", those who gather at Joy in Christ as God's people. As we looked over the past year at our Annual Meeting there were many signs of light: people welcomed, children taught, property cared for, the hungry fed, clothing provided, and encouragement shared. We worshipped and played, worked and enjoyed, all in the light of Christ. Take a moment to savor this good news - hold it like a globe, twirl it around in your mind and heart. And then stop and think, stop and pray. Where will it take us next? What ideas are about to bud from the soil we planted last year?
The light of Epiphany not only shines to reveal God to us, but to light the way for us to live in that light, and share it with others. Soon we will walk toward the reflective season of Lent and begin to shine a light on the darker corners of our lives, so that they too may be observed and re-ordered and shaped by God's light. In either case, it is light - God's light - that will bring us to bud and flower this year.
Pray with the psalmist David: Send out your light and your truth that they may lead me
and bring me to your holy hill
and to your dwelling
That I may go to the altar of God, to the God of my joy and gladness;
and on the harp I will give thanks to you. O God my God. Psalm 43:3-4
Peace and blessings+
Pastor Carolyn
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