Readings: Matthew 4:12-17, Isaiah 9:1-3, Matthew 5:14-16
Exposure: Read these passages about Jesus being the light. Research the beginnings of the tradition of Christmas lights. Drive around town with a group of friends or family and look at the different expressions of lights.
Exploration: How is Jesus the light of the world? Think about the scientific facts you know about lights. In what ways is light the perfect illustration God created from the beginning to illuminate who Jesus is?
Expression: Why do you think Jesus refers to His followers as the light of the world? What would that mean for your life to be a light in your relationships and situations?
Experience: How has your life been a light to those around you? Make a point to be light during this season.
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I'll comment more later, but for now: this was my favorite link while researching Christmas light origins: http://gizmodo.com/5425395/christmas-lights-the-brief-and-strangely-interesting-history-of
ReplyDeleteI work with Pioneer Club on Wednesdays and the club verse is Psalm 119:105 "Your word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path". This is a pretty powerful verse along with the readings from this day. Getting up with the baby in the middle of the night, or dogs, or both...I've learned that darkness can lead to stubbed toes, painful face plants into the wall, tripping and falling over toys (baby and dog toys), etc. Until my eyes adjust, I usually just keep still. When Eric is in charge of turning all the lights out for bed, he leaves our dining room light dimmed. Though I'm the one that trips and falls, he's the one that remembers for me to leave the light on so that I don't. All that to explain, that's why I think Jesus refers to his followers as the light of the world. So many people are tripping and falling because they won't seek the light out of stubbornness, forgetfulness, or because they think if they just let their eyes adjust to the darkness they can navigate it on their own. They can't. Jesus needs to be the light; his Word a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path. I'm not preaching to you - more reminding myself. I don't think I can be a light. I think that I can take my husband's example and turn on the light for someone else or at least illuminate dark times through Jesus. I feel as if I'm trying to sound philosophical, but in all honesty I'm just trying to get through my own thick skull with what the point of these verses mean.
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