Be A Light

“Let your light so shine before others, that they might see your good works, and give glory to your Father in heaven.”  -Matthew 5:16

(from the contemporary translation of Luther’s Small Catechism, by Timothy Wengert; Augsburg Fortress Press. 1996)

  

Let your light so shine! Be a light! This call from the Baptismal liturgy of the church and from Jesus in Matthew’s gospel, invites us to ponder this little light of mine, and how I’m going to let it shine, in this Advent season. These familiar lyrics many of us learned as children take on flesh in the ways we worship, the ways we serve, and the ways we connect to others in this life together. In a season that is often exhausting for us, bombarded by consumerism’s messaging and the race to fit everything in, it is easy to forget our call to be a light. While we surround ourselves with strings of lights atop homes and around trees, we might neglect the light flickering in us. This year, these words call us back to this central calling for all the children of God, to Be A Light.

 

To be clear, the people of Hope have been a city shining on a hill for many, in many different ways in recent weeks. Christmas Food Boxes and Frozen Meal Ministry to warm hungry bellies, quilts to ward off the chill of the shadows, Habitat for Humanity houses dedicated and prepared to become homes, and Toys for Kids shopping with our youth are just a few examples. Outside of official church ministry, the people of Hope are shining their lights too! Many members of Hope volunteered and hosted the “Light up the WACC” event, to support our area community center, and yet others are ringing the bell at Super One for the Salvation Army Red Kettle drive.

 

Being a light doesn’t have to be complicated. Many are shining in their homes in the everyday care they provide for family members, or at places of work, where they faithfully serve neighbors. You are being a light through small acts of kindness, checking in on a friend, or encouraging a teammate after practice. In all kinds of ways, you can Be A Light everywhere you go.

 

Let us not forget that the light shining in us comes from one who once declared, “I AM the Light of the World!” (John 9:5) In this Advent season, we await the birth of Christ, who shines radiant beams from his holy face, but we don’t wait idly by. Take a moment in the days to come to ponder how you will Be a Light, as your way of responding to all God has done for us. “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it.” (John 1:5)

 

     Advent Wednesday Worship: Join us from

    6:15-6:45pm as we host our Midweek Advent

      Services around the theme of Be A Light.

These services have been carefully planned by our 9th Grade confirmation students, crafted to help all in our community dwell deeply on being a light, shining your authentic light, and sharing the light with others. Come to hear meditative reflections, as we sing, pray, and commune by candlelight. Simple suppers will be served beginning at 5:15pm for a suggested donation of $2/person, and as always, ALL ARE WELCOME.

 

Advent Sunday Worship: We gather as the people of God have for centuries, embracing the anticipated arrival of the Christ child. Worship will feature the lighting of our Advent wreath, and will draw us more deeply into themes of light. Sunday worship will feature the musical gifts of Hope’s Chancel Choir, Sunday School children, Bell Choir, Joyful Noise choir, House Band, and other musical talents.

 

Community Christmas Concert: This year Hope will once again host a Christmas Concert on Saturday, December 6, to benefit the Walker Area Food Shelf. The concert, organized by Sherren Foss, will begin at 6:30pm, which will include a freewill offering. A sloppy joe supper will be served beforehand, beginning at 5:30pm.

 

Christmas Caroling: The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear! Join our roving band of carolers on Sunday, December 7 following worship, as we share the message of Christmas through the lyrics and joyful melodies of classic carols. All ages are encouraged to join us, and instruments will be available for those who wish to play along.

 

Christmas Eve: All are welcome as we gather for our traditional candlelight worship at 3:00pm and 5:00pm. At these services we will recount the heartwarming arrival of God in Christ, through scripture, singing the carols that draw us near the manger, and sharing the body of blood of Jesus, who promises to show up and invites everyone.

 

On a more personal note, as we journey through the preparation of Advent, and finally arrive at the celebration of Christ’s birth, I pray that the Lord our God might bless you according to that which will lift your spirit here and now. From me, your brother and co-worker in Christ, and my whole family, have a happy Advent and a very Merry Christmas!

 

 

 


Pastor Matt