The Light Shines

On Sunday, Nechelle Spencer described what God is like to her, that being a stream of light through a window in the morning. How lovely is that? After the darkness, comes the dawn, and with that, the possibilities of renewal, freedom, and hope. This is our God of hope: our Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, and Prince of Peace.

The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light. For those who lived in a land of deep shadows— light! sunbursts of light! You repopulated the nation, you expanded its joy. Oh, they’re so glad in your presence! Festival joy! The joy of a great celebration, sharing rich gifts and warm greetings. The abuse of oppressors and cruelty of tyrants— all their whips and clubs and curses— Is gone, done away with, a deliverance as surprising and sudden as Gideon’s old victory over Midian. The boots of all those invading troops, along with their shirts soaked with innocent blood, Will be piled in a heap and burned, a fire that will burn for days! For a child has been born—for us! the gift of a son—for us! He’ll take over the running of the world. His names will be: Amazing Counselor, Strong God, Eternal Father, Prince of Wholeness. His ruling authority will grow, and there’ll be no limits to the wholeness he brings. He’ll rule from the historic David throne over that promised kingdom. He’ll put that kingdom on a firm footing and keep it going With fair dealing and right living, beginning now and lasting always. The zeal of GOD-of-the-Angel-Armies will do all this. - Isaiah 9:2-7 MSG

Bill White preached (paraphrasing) that even in the darkness, a light can dawn in the inside. And he reminded us that God sees us and gives us names of blessing, hope, and healing: Beloved. Chosen. Forgiven. Precious. Protected. Salt of the earth. Light of the world. A new creation. A child of God. 

We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others. - = Marianne Williamson, A Return to Love.

God,
Thank you for your light within us and for being a light of hope and freedom in our lives. May we lift up and liberate one another as we glorify You in heaven. We love You and thank You for your everlasting love. 
Amen.