Happy New Year! I spent January 1st riding the ferry over to Victoria on a gloriously sunshine-y day. The water was smooth as glass as we drove out on the causeway. It was an incredible way to begin 2015, soaking in the sun and beauty. It was easy to see and feel God’s presence when the sun is shining and the ocean stretches around you on all sides. The vastness of the ocean reminds me of the wideness of God’s love for us, his people. And when the sun is shining down, everything feels right and good.
I’ve been pondering the story of Simeon, and not to repeat everything from my sermon last Sunday, I can’t help but think about the hopefulness of Simeon’s song as we begin a new year. The way he was waiting so patiently and looking for the light of the world to come is a challenge to me to live in the same way. As we wait for Jesus’ return to make all things new, what glimpses do we have of his salvation and light?
When Jesus was born, hope arrived. For more than two thousand years, God’s people have been living in the light of Christ. His light pierces the darkness of sin and sadness in our world.
It’s usually a lot easier to notice and pay attention to the tough stuff, and to get bogged down by it all, isn’t it? Tears come more quickly than laughter. It’s easier to complain and grumble in a bad situation than it is to say something positive. The apostle Paul urged the Philippian church to “do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.” Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky…” (Phil. 2:14-15).
We have the opportunity to reflect the light of Christ in the simplest of ways! Paul notices that people who choose not to grumble, complain, or argue actually stand out like stars in the sky.
Will you notice the light of Christ only when it’s sunny out, or will you choose to reflect his light—to shine—even when it’s dark and rainy?
No matter what happens this year, may we all experience the light of Christ in our lives, and make the choice to reflect it in how we live.