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| Growing in Warmth"God...has shown in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ." - 2 Corinthians 4:6 Dear Friends: On a recent chilly Sunday morning I stood with several people in the church courtyard between services. With our faces to the sun we visited about the day, but mostly we were trying to warm ourselves up. After a few minutes we rotated so that our backs could absorb the heat of the sunlight. We were like lizards, waiting to come alive, physically drawing strength from the radiant brightness. We were not the only creatures in the courtyard depending on the sun for warmth. Trees and rose bushes, grass and birds of paradise, vines and day lilies all incline themselves toward the light that makes it possible for them to grow. Our church courtyard is as beautiful as it is not only because of the care lavished upon it but also because it is able to receive so much sunlight. I think of this Sunday morning experience as I ponder a phrase that surfaced at our church visioning and planning retreat. The whole phrase was, "Welcoming, sharing, growing and loving in the Light of Christ" but what has stayed with me is a shortened version, the idea of "growing in the light of Christ." At the retreat, we had a considerable amount of discussion about growth. Many truths were mentioned. Our community grows because we want to share the love of God with others. We grow spiritually by staying open to what is fresh and new. Growth can be disconcerting because it implies change. Growth can be joyful because it's an exciting progression. Our awareness of the warming, life giving power of light can help us to remember that growth is a natural response to the goodness of creation. Growing in the light of Christ means that we are responding to love and warmth in order to become our best, most fully alive selves. The light of Christ conveys truth and strength; it need not be feared because Christ is trustworthy in all things. Just as we turn our faces to the sun to be physically warmed on a Sunday morning, so we turn our hearts and minds to Christ to be spiritually warmed, enlivened, and encouraged. Just as we position ourselves to stand in the sunlight, so we position ourselves, by attending worship, by studying scripture, by behaving with kindness toward others, to be blessed by the radiance of Christ. Winter in San Diego may not be severe as it is in other parts of the country. However, it does teach us to appreciate the light! I am thankful to be growing with you in the light of Christ. Peace to all, Pastor April |
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