Sometimes our light goes out but is blown into flame by another human being, Each of us owes deepest thanks to those who have rekindled this light. ~Albert Schweitzer
For once you were full of darkness, but now you have light from the Lord. So live as people of light! For this light within you produces only what is good and right and true. ~Ephesians 5:8-9
An evening storm rolls in. The thick, black clouds cover up what’s left of the light, as the sun sinks below the horizon. Bolts of lightning streak through the sky and the roar of thunder fills the air. You’re safely huddled up inside your house, just waiting for the storm to subside. Then, suddenly the lights go out and you’re sitting in total darkness.
Has anything like that ever happened to you? It has to me. What do we do when the power goes out and we’re left sitting in darkness? We get up and look for a source of light, and hope we can remember where we put the flashlight or candles. Sometimes we’re blessed to have someone there with us, to help us find a way to bring some light back into our home.
The struggles and storms we face in life can extinguish our inner flame and plunge our hearts and minds into darkness. We might feel alone, burdened, frightened, and lacking in faith. We might forget where to find our source of light. Sometimes a friend will find us in the dark, and gently blow whatever spark is left back into a flame.
I imagine that the disciples were thrown into darkness on that terrible Friday when Jesus was crucified on a cross. The believed their source of light had been extinguished forever. I’m sure they questioned everything they had believed to be true. It seemed like the darkness had won. But it definitely had not! On Easter morning, the tomb where Jesus had been laid was found empty. Christ had risen and the light had won!
We are living through a strange and frightening time right now, and many people may feel like they’ve been thrown into darkness. If there was ever a time we needed the light of Easter, it is now. As followers of Christ, we have been given access to a light that cannot be extinguished. If we stay connected to the source of that light, we can be people who re-light the flames for those who are living in darkness. And we can show them the way to the source of that light.
Alleluia! Christ is risen! The light has won. Let’s share that light with others.
Be blessed and have a Happy Easter!