Despite Everything...We Are the Light of Christ

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 "Blessed are the Peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God."  (Matthew 5:9)


I have a pit in my stomach this morning, and a heaviness in my heart.   After witnessing the frightening events from our nation's capitol yesterday, I've received several requests for me to comment and reflect on the situation.  Like you, I was shocked and horrified to see the Capitol building broken into, vandalized and disrespected.  Unfortunately, these events grew out of multiple years of increasing division and disrespect in our government leaders and in our local communities.  Taken to its extreme form, it became OK for deluded citizens to attempt to take over our legally elected leaders.  

So how do we, as Christians, respond?  We are certainly not the first Christian people to be confronted by dysfunctional government or violent events.  I believe it is important for us to take some deep breaths, turn off the TV, and center ourselves in the presence of God.  Yesterday--in the midst of all this insanity--was also Epiphany--the 12th day of Christmas--the day when we celebrate the Light that Christ brings into our world.  I believe our primary purpose as followers of Jesus is to reflect and shine Christ's light into every part of our lives and our world.

Shining Christ's light means seeking and speaking truth, even in situations deemed dangerous or conflict-ridden.  Shining Christ's light means standing up for what is right in the eyes of God and humanity.  Shining Christ's light means carefully reflecting on our own speech and actions, and only expressing publicly whatever supports our two primary commandments from Jesus:  love for God and love for neighbor--even those neighbors we vehemently disagree with.  

We cannot control the speech or behavior of others.  But we are completely responsible for our own speech and behavior.  Going forward, we must stand for truth and for peaceful interaction in the midst of violence and disagreement.  We are the Light of Christ.  May we always behave in ways that enhance and shine that Light in our world.
"The Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness cannot overcome it."  (John 1:5)

Peace and all good,
Pastor Jean

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