Seeing the light

 

Isaiah 9:2-7

It happens to us preachers. Sunday afternoon or Monday morning we'll kick ourselves because we forgot to say something in the sermon we thought was important. That happened to me this week. As it often is for me, there was one sentence I wanted to say. One thing that would tie everything together. We read from Luke about Mary visiting Elizabeth. The women rejoiced together because they had a strong sense of what God was about to do through Mary's child. We remembered Mary's song of praise and the upside down kingdom she saw coming. The sermon was about us being love in the flesh in that kingdom. The night before, our church had just hosted a fun, big community event. It was a love-in-the-flesh kind of gathering. But it cost us thousands of dollars to pull off. We weren't going to be able to do that again right away. So, I also mentioned another incarnational example. It was a simple Christmas card someone gave to another person. The one who received the card was in tears because it was the first card someone gave them since as long as they could remember. Plus, it had been a difficult season for them, to say the least. I'm sure many of you have stories like that. Either you've helped people who were in pain or you were the one struggling. Either way, there's something important to remember that I forgot to mention in my sermon. We aren't just doing good deeds to fill our time or even to feel good about ourselves. Many of us will soon hear the words from the prophet Isaiah: The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light (Isaiah 9:2). Praise God for that light. That light is our salvation. But the light appeared to the people who walked in darkness. The people. If I ever forget to say it, don't forget the people. Behind every act of compassion, every kind gesture and every thoughtful gift is someone loved by God. Look them in the eyes. Learn their name. Listen to their story. As you do, you'll discover how much the light means to them--and maybe why God loves them so much. Stay blessed...john