The Light of the World

“The people walking in darkness
have seen a great light;
on those living in the land of deep darkness
a light has dawned.” Isaiah 9:2

“Child of the day”, the Light shines upon you. The light from heaven illuminates our small apartment. This light guides our feet as we walk about the city. It’s there in the kitchen while I stir and bake. It’s with me as I tend to the day’s obligations. At night, this Light drives away fear and anxiety from my subconscious thoughts, so that I can sleep in peace.

While shepherds watched their flock one night, an angel appeared, proclaiming to them, “Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.” A multitude of heavenly host filled the sky, singing, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.” Darkness blanketed the world, but now the Light had dawned. Jesus’ s coming brought great joy to the shepherds. When I come to Calvary, stripped of all I clung to, the blood of Jesus covers me, and there is great joy.

God’s people have this holy Light. Like a city set on a hill – more beautiful than the NYC skyline at night – is the Church of God, a Light so bright that no darkness can diffuse it. Thirty years ago, after a day of outreach, Laurence and I walked up 64th Street in Woodside, Queens. From the sidewalk, I saw the light in a third story window, and oh the comfort, the inexpressible comfort to know we were not alone, a meal would be waiting, and we could sit down and share food and fellowship with others of like precious faith. Lamps continue to shine from the windows of the USA mission building in Harlem, while the keepers of the building spread the Light in NYC. The pure Light of truth streams into the chapel during the worship services. Its presence is felt in the upper rooms where God’s children work and pray. It glows in the fellowship hall as we share hearts over plates of food.

This year I’ve been shown that even when death takes a loved one, there is light. God’s presence gave my dad a peaceful passing. It stayed with the family as we laid our loved one to rest, and the Light continues to comfort those who mourn.

This evening in the sanctuary of Sugar Hill Mennonite Mission we heard the tidings of great joy. Upon us the Light shines. 1 Thessalonians 5:5 says, “You are all children of the light and children of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness.”

We are children of the Day and of the Light.

Berniece

Written for the Christmas program at Sugar Hill Mennonite Mission.