The Light of Christ
“Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.”
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Several years ago, I had the pleasure of visiting one of our National Parks: Mammoth Cave in western Kentucky. Maybe some of you have been there, too. It is magnificent place. I understand that the caverns go on for miles and miles underground throughout that region. We signed up for the four-hour guided tour that included a lunch break while inside the caverns. It was a thrilling experience.
Along the path through the cave, we marveled at the impressive (and sometimes eerie) rock formations known as stalactites and stalagmites. We learned an easy way to remember which is which: stalactites hold “tight” to the roof or ceiling of the cave, and if the stalagmites keep growing, the “might” reach the ceiling.
We continued along the pathway that took us beside dripping waterfalls and underground streams. We were amazed that the inside temperature of the caves remained at approximately 57 degrees Fahrenheit all year long no matter if it was over 90 degrees outside (like it was on the day when we visited) or below zero! Amazing!
We ate lunch in a huge cavern at tables set up like a dining hall. It was so cool inside the cave (the aforementioned 57 degrees) that I got a bowl of soup and it tasted oh so good!
Not long after lunch we experience what I came to regard as the most impressive aspect of the cave: total and complete darkness and the ability of light to overcome the darkness.
We entered a very large cavern – almost as large as a basketball court or the interior of a modest-size church sanctuary. Rough-hewn benches were configured in rows much like an amphitheater. The park rangers had our entire group sit down on the benches and they warned us that they were going to turn out the lights to allow us to know what it is like to be in total darkness. After counting down from 10 to zero, boom! The lights went out! And let me tell you, I was so dark you could not see your hand in front of you face. I strained to see something, anything! It was a penetrating, engulfing darkness.
And then, the most amazing thing: far from the back of the cavern one of the park rangers struck a single match. It was jaw-dropping. The light of that single match lit the entire cavern. We could see everything again – the stalactites, the stalagmites, the jagged walls, all the other people – and all from the tiny flame of a single match! Light has a power over darkness that is hard to explain. It was astounding!
I had what I sometimes term, “a theological revelation!” I got it. In the Gospel of John we have a marvelous Prologue that sets the stage for his portrayal of the life of Christ in profound terms. John says, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being. What has come into being in him was life, and the life was the light of all people. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overtake it.” – John 1:1-5 (italics mine for emphasis)
Sometimes our world can seem so very dark. The war in Ukraine, rising inflation, a global pandemic, racial tension, political dissension, mass-shootings, autocratic leaders, hate-groups, protests, distrust of those whom we consider the “others,” the severe rise in gun violence, and on and on I could go. I can hardly remember a time when our nation was so fractured, so divided. People are anxious, worried, upset, and uncertain. It is very unnerving and disheartening.
Yet, into this darkness the light of Christ endeavors to shine. And how will it, how can it shine? Through the lives of His Followers. When we promote peace, harmony, and unity; when we show compassion for the less fortunate and patience with our neighbors; when we demonstrate care for creation; and concern for less fortunate or alone… we allow the light of Christ to shine through our lives. And the effect can be just as dramatic as the flame of that single match in the huge cavern of Mammoth Cave. The world needs a lot of that from all of us right now.
Jesus said, “You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hid. People do not light a lamp and put it under the bushel basket; rather, they put it 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 (italics mine for emphasis)
Sing with me, I’m pretty sure you know the tune: “This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine, let it shine, let it shine!”
May the light of Christ be seen in each of us today.
You are loved,
Mark
R. Mark Green
Pastor to Senior Adults and Youth & Children's Music