Week of January 9, 2000
Pastor Tracie

"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being. What has come into being in him was life, and the life was the light of all people. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it."
     Scripture Reading: John 1: 1-5

These words from the Gospel of John sound forth especially loud at this season of the Church year, Epiphany. For this season emphasizes the Light that is Christ -- from a star that guided wise men to the baby Jesus, to Christ as the light for all nations and people.

I think about these words from the Gospel of John and of Jesus being the Light of the world and I am reminded of traveling in South Africa in December 1997. Sitting in the front seat of our van, I couldn't help but notice how dark the road was one night. We were on our way to the coastal town of Port Elizabeth having spent several days in a remote village area that was only now starting to get electricity. Our van ride lasted all day and now into the late hours of the night. The only one who knew the way was the driver. We just watched the darkness which surrounded us.

As we each silently reflected on our trip to this point and especially on the previous days' adventures in the villages, the darkness seemed to grow deeper. No street lights, no other vehicles approaching with headlights, no homes, stores or apartments to give off even faint light. Just unfamiliar territory surrounded by dark night.

With anxious eyes we watched the road ahead. At last we could see a glimpse of the city to which we were headed. Ahead of us, lights! Bright lights glowing in the darkness. But not just street lights, Christmas lights! Multicolored and in abundance, we gasped at the sight of the lighted city. And someone in the van began the song -- We are marching in the light of God, we are marching in the light of God.... and we sang on and on. Verse after verse -- we are praying in the light of God, we are driving in the light of God, we are glad for the light of God, Christ is the Light of God, on and on and on.

Yes, Christ is the light of the world, the light no darkness can overcome. In our lives we are surrounded by darkness. We need the true light to burn brightly in our hearts and in our world. We pray for Christ's light to illumine our hearts and minds so that we can see clearly the love that is poured out for us.

Let us pray: Gracious God of light and life, through your son you illumine the dark places in our lives. Continue to send the light of Christ to show us the way of peace and love. We thank you for all the people in our world that are beacons of that light. Strengthen us in our faith as we seek to shine with the brightness of Christ's love. Amen.

Contributed by Pastor Tracie
Published Sunday January 9, 2000
Week 7 of Liturgical Year B