Matthew 5: 14-16:
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.
In the Celtic Tradition, light is an important part of rising to greet the day. Jesus is the Son that we greet, knowing that we will have this light with us as we make our way through the day’s challenges and joys. It is believed that Jesus was light that travelled through the cosmos and slowed down long enough to be with us on Earth for a while and then sped up again to go back into the universe. This scripture, from the Sermon on the Mount, reflects another important aspect: That the light of Christ is not external to us, but internal. Because we are made in God’s image, we carry some of that light within us. And so, we must therefore allow that inner light to shine through in all we say and do, because it is this light that identifies us as Christ followers, and light bearers. When we hide that light, we hide the true nature of ourselves. So what can you do in your day to uncover that light? How can the light within you shine for all to see, bringing God glory? “This Little Light of Mine, I’m Gonna Let it Shine!”
I invite you to light a candle, saying the following words as you do:
Once there was someone who said and did such wonderful and amazing things that people began to follow him. They needed to know who he was so one day they asked him. And he said: “I am the light.” (Adapted from Godly Play)
Let us join our hearts and flickers of light in prayer:
As we greet the rising sun this day, may we greet The Son within, O God. As the flickers of light spread and grow, may we feel your light growing within us. Inspire us to share our light, the light of Christ, so that all might see your glory. Extinguish fear, anxiety, and distress, so that we might have the courage to show the true nature of ourselves. We ask this in the name of the light that is at the center of our being. Amen.
