In the time of King Herod, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, asking, “Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews? For we observed his star at its rising, and have come to pay him homage.” (Matthew 2:1-2)

Dear brothers & sisters in Christ,

Grace and peace to you from God our Father and Jesus Christ the Lord and Savior. Amen.

The shepherds were local. They found the Holy Family via vague directions from the angels. The magi were foreigners. They followed the star for months as well as stop for directions from Herod when they got close. Yet they all managed to find the Savior and worship Him. They were led toward the light of Christ.

Who has led you toward Christ over the years? Who shined His light into your darkness? Perhaps it was a Sunday School teacher, a grandparent, a neighbor. It is highly likely you weren’t even aware of their guiding until years later. Yet, those people were there. God has given you people throughout your life to shine His light into your life. God blesses us with believers who offer God’s love in word and deed and shine into our lives.

Ministry very rarely manifest in immediate results. And unfortunately, at those rare times we seem to have had a visible, immediate effect, it often is short-lived. In Matthew 13 and Mark 4, the evangelists recount Jesus describing faith as seed planted in various types of soil. Seed does not sprout overnight into strong, vibrant plants. Faith also takes time and nurturing to grow strong and vibrant.

As strong as it is, there is also a fragility to faith that demands care and attention. Constantly under attack, faith is a lot like the wind. We can’t see it, yet we know it is there. At times, the evidence of its power is profound; other times, barely discernible. The energy of faith, while both resilient and fragile, thrives on recharging.

We are called to ‘recharge’ those around us. The closing remarks in the Baptismal service are directly from Matthew 5:16. Immediately after being claimed by God, we are given the command to shine His light in the world. Our words and deeds are meant to shine as light to the world. We function as stars pointing toward the Christ. We may not get to witness their arrival, but God uses our lives to light their way nevertheless.

The grace and peace of God which surpasses all understanding keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Let your light shine. Amen.

In Christ,

Pastor Carla

“You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hid. No one after lighting a lamp puts it under the bushel basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven. (Matthew 5:14-16)