Created to Be Light

There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. He came as a witness to testify to the light. – John 1:6-7a (NRSV) 

Let there be light. 

Lighten up. Refuse to carry the weight of the world on your shoulders. Invite the Breath—the ruach, the energy or force or thread, the One beyond human understanding—to draw near to you. 

Let there be lightness of being. 

Tell someone a good joke. Smile at a stranger. Extend more compassion than judgment. Remember that your story is not the only story. Just as John’s witness isn’t the only story. 

Let there be glowing light. 

Light a candle at dinner. Bring your glow into every room you enter. Keep your holiday lights turned on through the night. Nurture the spiritual strength to reflect the holy glimmer of the Jesus child. 

We are created to be light not heavy. We are created to be enlightened not perplexed. We are here to proclaim the great glory of God that makes the northern lights look dim. 

Let’s get on with it.   

Prayer
Sometimes, O God, we know we take up and snuff out more light than we give. Help us to testify to, and to live with, light. Amen.

About the Author
Donna Schaper is Interim Minister at the United Congregational Church of Little Compton. Her latest book is Remove the Pews.