Shine Your Light

Yesterday I spent some time in the hammock resting. It was 70 something degrees Fahrenheit here in Tennessee. It would have been a great day to get into the woods, but I was too worn out from all the activity last week. Hammock time allowed me to rest and reflect.

From a week ago Sunday to yesterday, we had our regular Sunday service for Advent 4. I stayed at church all day preparing for the luminaria stroll in the community because we were offering caroling and hot chocolate. That was lots of fun. 

The luminary bags lit the pathway for the walkers on the Greenway and we enjoyed all those who joined us in singing and hot chocolate.

Then on Tuesday I had planned a Longest Night "come and go" service from 4:30-7:00 p.m., allowing people a time and space for lament, prayer, and silence. It turned out to be a special time and I am glad it came to be. 

We took a quick trip to Nashville to do an exchange at the airport of our kids-- one set leaving and another coming in. We were able to see some lights in Nashville.

Friday night was our Christmas Eve Candlelight Service with Cantata music. We were able to go outside to light our candles and sing "Silent Night" and "Joy to the World". It was a beautiful experience.

On Christmas Day evening we took a drive into a neighborhood that we had been told had great lights throughout. We weren't disappointed. I especially enjoyed the Grinch-themed decorations and the trees.

As I reflected on the past week of lights, services and the death of Archbishop Desmond Tutu, I wrote this: "One light can make a difference. Be that light. Allow your unique brightness to offer light for others until it is no more. Let us be lights for one another." I posted my reflective quote with this photo of mine from the candlelight service: 

Archbishop Desmond Tutu was a bright light. He shined truth, justice, and love into many places. His light will continue to shine as his words are shared and as his actions are remembered. That is how light continues to shine when people are gone. We remember them and their impact on us. One of the many quotes being shared upon his passing is this one: "Hope is being able to see that there is light despite all the darkness."

Who are the lights in your life that are no longer with you, yet they continue to shine because you remember their words and their actions? Name them. Give thanks for them. They have made a difference in your life. 

Who are the lights in your life that are still with you, shining a way in the darkness, offering you hope? Name them. Give thanks for them. They are making a difference in your life.

You, too, can be a light. I can be a light. Again, my quote from yesterday: "One light can make a difference. Be that light. Allow your unique brightness to offer light for others until it is no more. Let us be lights for one another."

Shine your light!

Rev. Deb