Happy Monday, Friends!
Continuing the series I began last week, we move to the second line of the Nicene Creed: “We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, eternally begotten of the Father, God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, of one Being with the Father.”
I’m told that my first word was “light.” My mother thought I might be autistic. I’m not sure what my father thought, but, yes, my first word was “light.” In some ways it was a fitting first word for a child born on June 20. Depending on the year, my birthday is either the last day of spring or the first day of summer. Either way, June 20 is one of the longest days of the year, a day with the most sunlight.
Light is a powerful force and an even more powerful metaphor which has been used across time, religion, science, and literature. As Christians we are taught to “live in the light” and we talk about Christ as the “Light of the World.” According to the Book of Genesis, light was the very first thing created by God. Darkness already existed, not because it was created first, but exactly because it is the absence of light; it is the absence of creation. That is why, to quote Dr. King, “Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.”
Where can you, your words, and your actions be light for others?
Let us pray: God who created light and dispelled the darkness, protect us from the darkness of hatred and let us love people who struggle to find the light of love. We ask this through Christ our light. Amen.
Blessings, friends, on your week! Please let me know if there is anything I can do for you.
Faithfully,
Ben
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