For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ.” (–2 Corinthians 4:6)
The first act of creation was to “Let there be Light!” Re-creation in Christ enlightens us to see a new creation (2 Cor. 5:17), to see the world and ourselves in a new way. So we see flashes of God’s glory through Christ around us. And how the Spirit is lighting up our faith and hope and love through our words and interactions.
Before the Revolutionary War, pastor / theologian Jonathan Edwards wrote:
The enjoyment of God is the only happiness with which our souls can be satisfied. To go to heaven, fully to enjoy God, is infinitely better than the most pleasant accommodations here. Fathers and mothers, husbands, wives, or children, or the company of earthly friends, are but shadows; but God is the substance. These are but scattered beams, but God is the sun.
The negative side of this insight is that the world is never enough. Shiny things or attractive people or enjoyable experiences disappoint us when we rely on them to give more than they were designed to provide.
But the positive side is, If I’m looking for a perfectly clear crystal stone on a beach, I may not find one. But if I look for the crystalline in stones, I’ll see it gleaming everywhere. (-Mike Mason)
Scattered beams of divine glory in Christ light up our way. In stunning sunrises through barren trees along the mountains. In the kindness and courage of those around us. In moments of unforced connection with someone we are serving. In bursts of joy when reminded that the Lord is truly with us, guiding our way.
So we light up our sanctuary festively, like no other season. For “scattered beams” can seem like spotlights in worship and praise. They shine through Bible portions and songs that seem to be speaking right to us. And especially in appreciating and caring for each other. May the joy of Christ shine in your heart, and in all kinds of beams around you.
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