Pause

Where God is, there is light.

Jesus came, bringing light into a dark world. Though there is still darkness, Jesus still comes, calling us to join him on the journey and giving us what we need – strength, courage, ability – to shed his light.

The promised one, the light of the world, welcomes us to follow him on the Kingdom way, the way of light. Let us turn our hearts toward him, and begin.

Listen

Now when Jesus heard that John had been arrested, he withdrew to Galilee. He left Nazareth and made his home in Capernaum by the sea, in the territory of Zebulun and Naphtali, so that what had been spoken through the prophet Isaiah might be fulfilled: “Land of Zebulun, land of Naphtali, on the road by the sea, across the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles — the people who sat in darkness have seen a great light, and for those who sat in the region and shadow of death light has dawned.”

Matthew 4:12-16

Think

When tragedy strikes, our impulse is to do something. When we see the unthinkable happening we feel helpless, wondering how we can help, what we can give, what we can do. When Jesus got the news of John’s arrest, perhaps he felt the same way. In a time of such darkness, maybe he felt the urge to act, to help, to do. What can you do when you’re in the dark, except try to bring a light?

In the darkness of fear, we bring light by offering comfort and presence. In the darkness of hunger, we bring light by providing nourishment.

In the darkness of sorrow, we bring light by holding close. In the darkness of violence, we bring light by speaking words of peace.

In the darkness of John’s silencing, Jesus remembered the prophet’s telling, and set out to bring light by fulfilling God’s promise: the promise of Jesus himself, the living, breathing Light to the world.

Nikki Finkelstein-Blair

Pray

God, wherever I see darkness, help me to bring your light. Show me how I can let your light shine. Amen.

Go

In every time, in every place, light breaks through the darkness. We don’t have to go far; God comes near and calls us, wherever we are, to follow.

So here, and now: let God’s light shine.