Let There Be Light
“Every time we open our mouths and speak, we are either saying let there be light or let there be darkness.” ~ Glennon Doyle Melton
The readings, songs, and images of Christmas all have to do with words. “Glory to the newborn King” is proclaimed by the angels. The bells of Christmas speak of peace on earth and goodwill to all. Come to the manger is the invitation echoed in many a song. Scrooge’s words, “Bah Humbug”, are replaced by words of joy after his encounter with the ghosts of Christmas past, present, and future.
Words, as we all know, have a lot of power. Words can make or break someone’s day. For that matter, words can make or break someone completely. There have been people who have given up hope after hearing words of discouragement from those they valued most.
We have been cautioned many times in our lives to choose our words wisely because of the power that they have. Sometimes we pay attention to that admonition. Other times, we ignore the advice. Our words have taken us to great highs and have also brought us to deep lows. It is a bit frightening to realize that we have that kind of power. Melton reminds us that we can usher in either light or darkness by the words that come from our mouths.
Advent has been all about preparation. It is getting close to the time when we will put all of that preparation into action and into words. We will worship together tomorrow night or Saturday morning. As we do so, we will greet one another, pray together, and sing songs of wonder and praise. Let us not merely speak or sing those words. Let us, instead, live those words and usher Christmas peace into the lives of all we encounter.
May the work that you have done this Advent be brought to a joyful completion at the celebration of the birth of our Lord, Jesus Christ.
FAITH ACTION: Let the words you choose to speak this day reflect your hope in the coming of our Lord, Jesus Christ.