Darkness & Light

The moon was amazing last night.  Apparently it was a Snow Moon - the first full moon in the month of February.  This full moon received its name as it was when the snow was at its deepest.  Because it was also the most difficult time of year to gather food, it has also been  named the Hunger Moon.  Either way, it was spectacular last night.  As we drove to do errands last night, the incredible Snow Moon was graciously following us. It was beautiful.

I believe the true beauty, though, was when I awoke in the middle of the night.  The moon projected such light in the immense darkness that the outlines of the trees onto the snow was breathtaking.  It illuminated every detail of the night and had me standing at the window with sleepy eyes, staring at the beauty.  I went back to bed with a profound sense of peace.

Fast forward a few hours and off to church we went only to have the Gospel lesson focus on salt and the light (Matthew 5:13-16).  Once again, the light struck my soul and gave me peace.  Throughout the Bible, we hear about how Jesus is the light of the world.  Yet, I love this verse in Ephesians.  Paul shares that we were once darkness, yet because of our convictions in Christ, we are now the light as Jesus is the light.  We get to live out that light every day.  What a blessing!

There is much darkness in our world.  Horrible and violent crimes, war, destruction - very visual darkness.  There is also the darkness that sometimes isn't as visual - hurt, despair, anger, addiction, etc.  All this darkness can have us question the value of spending time trying to be the light.  Oh brothers and sisters, there is so much to treasure in our ability to be the light.

Be the light to the elderly, and provide them assistance.

Be the light to the lonely, and provide them friendship.

Be the light to the hurting, and provide them healing.

Be the light to the depressed, and provide them joy.

Be the light to the lost, and provide them love.

It's hard to imagine that we, each and every one of us, can be the light to someone in need.  It is true!  Our actions, our words, our time - all of it can impact someone in darkness and bring them to the light.  We get to live as the children of the light.  Because of Jesus, we have the light we can share with others.  Be the light to those in need - isn't that exactly was Jesus did for us?

Oh Jesus, you have made it very clear that we are the light - as you are the light.  Help us to reach out to those in darkness and provide them the light that they need.  May we not shy away from these opportunities, but truly let our light shine.  Help us to be the Snow Moon for others!  In your gracious name we pray - Amen!