Gay Williams

This passage is a call to each of us to live good lives, sharing those parts of us that are caring, responsible and responsive for and to ourselves, our neighbors, and our world. The suggestion is that as we show forth our light, others will do the same.

I’m reminded of the time I lived in my home in Reading. At Christmas time I had electric candles in the windows. And I remember clearly noticing one candle in particular, next to the chair I frequently sat in. The candle was on. It was reflected in the window. And it was reflected in the storm window as well. One candle, three lights. The religious significance was not lost on me, and now more than a dozen years later, I can call that memory to mind.

Of course we are not candles, but our lives, our actions, are like candles in that they reflect the light of a loving God. We see it in this church family all the time. Someone is grieving or ill; meals are made and delivered. Prayer shawls or blankets are made and given. A simple "we've missed you" check-in is also light. Note cards, part of a monthly ministry or individual notes are expressions of God's light, God's love, as well. It happens all the time here.

As you move through the day, keep in mind your "good morning", or "is everything okay?", a steadying hand, a held door, "can I help you with that?" and more, are all expressions of light. And in today's world, we need a lot of light. Edith Wharton reminds us "There are two ways of spreading light: to be the candle or the mirror that reflects it."