Let the Light of Christ Shine Through You
“In him was life, and the life was the light of all people. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it.”
John 1:4-5
As we make our way through the Easter season, I continue to think about the transition from the darkness of Lent into the light of Easter. The movement through the solemn stripping of the altar on Maundy Thursday, the emptiness of Good Friday and into the celebration of the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ is one of the most abrupt and glorious transitions of the church year. I love that first glimpse of the recently empty and stark church when there is once again the light of a sea of Easter Lilies and other white flowers!
Light and Darkness. Jesus is the light that shines in our lives to lift us up as we walk through dark times. In the prologue of John’s Gospel, we hear that Jesus is the light, the light that shines and overcomes the darkness. During the times in which we see a lot of darkness in the world, I read these verses and am reminded that the light of Christ is in the world and will overcome the darkness. However, that prologue also acknowledges that there is darkness. We are not spared completely from all darkness in our lives, but we are carried through it by the light of Christ into life beyond the darkness.
The light of Christ shines through us and is spread into the world. A quote attributed to St. Basil says, “The sun penetrates crystal and makes it more dazzling. In the same way, the sanctifying Spirit indwells in souls and makes them more radiant. They become like so many powerhouses beaming grace and love around them.” In all that you do, you have the opportunity to let Christ’s light shine through you. Think about how the light of Christ, through the power of the Holy Spirit, shines through you and into the world.
Prayer for Guidance
O God, by whom the meek are guided in judgment, and light rises up in darkness for the godly: Grant us, in all our doubts and uncertainties, the grace to ask what thou would have us to do, that the Spirit of wisdom may save us from all false choices, and that in your light we may see light, and in your straight path may not stumble; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
“The Book of Common Prayer,” pg. 832
