Light of the World

Jesus not only said, “I am the light of the world” (John 8:12), Jesus said, “You are the light of the world!” (Matthew 5:14).

What does it mean to be an extension of the persona of Jesus, the Christ? The following piece provides an answer.

I can't make the world peaceful, I can't stall tanks from roaring down roads, I can't prevent children from having to hide in bunkers.

I can't convince the news to stop turning war into a video game, I can't silence the sound of bombs tearing neighborhoods apart.

I can't turn a guided missile into a bouquet of flowers, I can't make a warmonger have an ounce of empathy, I can't convince ambassadors to quit playing truth or dare.

I can't deflect a sniper's bullet from turning a wife into a widow, I can't stave off a country being reduced to ash and rubble; I can't do any of that.

The only thing I can do is love the next person I encounter without any conditions or strings. To love my neighbor so fearlessly that it starts a ripple that stretches from one horizon to the next.

I can’t force peace on the world, but I can become a force of peace in the world because sometimes all it takes is a single lit candle in the darkness to start a movement.

"Lord, make me a candle of comfort in this world let me burn with peace" -- by John Roedel

Jesus said, “I am the light of the world. ...” “You are the light of the world. ...” We are the Body of Christ! As the children’s song proclaims: "This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine!"

I look forward to seeing you in church.

Through Christ,

Pastor Doug