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God’s Leaders are Alight
December 2006 by Ted Schroeder

Read
Isaiah 60:1–5, 19–20, Matthew 5:14–16, and John 1:1–18. What similarities do you see?

Once there was a rather remarkable woman named Hannah. Hannah was remarkable because she fairly glowed with the joy of her faith. While others talked about religion, Hannah lived her faith. While others planned programs and fussed about the operation of the congregation, Hannah went about teaching and comforting and supporting others.

The more Hannah gave, the more she seemed to glow. The more she did for others, the more a strange kind of light seemed to come from her. And it got brighter and brighter with each passing day.

Soon Hannah’s glow was so bright that it seemed to hurt people’s eyes to be around her. Most people make their own kind of portable light that shines on themselves—so that others can see and admire them. But Hannah’s light didn't shine on her at all. It shone from her and lit those around her. And it was so bright that it showed every blemish and fault, every age spot and scar, every imperfection they had. And, over time, Hannah became very unpopular indeed.

“Oh, it doesn’t matter,” said Hannah. “For everyone who hides from the light, another finds the way. Perhaps some are tired of trying to make their own light or tired of trying to stand in the twilight of their own goodness.”

God’s gift to us is light in the darkness. Jesus is “the light that shines in the darkness” (John 1:5). God makes us alight with the Spirit and with the work that the Spirit is doing through us—work that glorifies God.

Sometimes it is difficult to remember that we are the “light of the world.” The darkness is tempting. The “no” sayers are many. The gloom of the past can shroud us and the fear of the future can darken our hope. But now, at the time of the coming of the Christ Child, we are given the gift of light once again. We are the light of the world. We are aglow with the Spirit. Aglow with a light that the dark world desperately needs.

Jesus said and continues to say, “You did not choose me but I chose you….” (John 15:16)  As God’s chosen ones we are aglow with the Spirit so that others might find their way in the darkness.

For reflection or discussion
How is your congregation a light to your community. What hope do you offer? What invitation to the lost and wandering do people find in you? Talk about ways to make your congregation a “light set on a hill” for the sake of those who are still in the darkness.

Prayer
Lord, set us on fire with your Spirit so that we might be aglow with the gift of life and hope that you offer in Jesus Christ. In our dark world, set us as a light for all to see, a hope for all to hold, a way for all to follow. In the name of the coming Christ. Amen.

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