"The Light of God" Matthew 5:13-16 1/30/05
There is a story told of a church that was built on the highest mountains of
Switzerland years ago. It was a beautiful church that had been built with
great care by the villagers who lived nearby. But there was one thing the
church didn't have. It didn't have any lights. You couldn't just go into the
church and switch on the lights like we do now. Yet every Sunday evening
the people who lived on the mountain side opposite the tiny church saw
something magical happen. The church bell would ring and worshippers
would make their way up the moutainside towards the church. They would
enter the church and then slowly but surely the church would light up so
brightly that it seems like the mountain top was on fire. For you see what
happened the people had to bring light with them - so they carried lanterns.
When they arrived at the church building they would light their lanterns and
hang them around the church on pegs set in the walls, so the light would
spread all around. If only a few people came to church the light would be
very dim because there would only be a few lanterns. But when lots of
people came to church there would be plenty of light for all to see. After
the service the villagers would take their lanterns home. As they left the
building it seemed to those who watched from a distance, it was as if a
stream of light poured out of the church and over the mountainside. For
many it was a sign that all was well. God's light went with them and God
came into the world. Although the light went out in the church building
God's guiding light was in the world.

Sunday evenings on the other side of the world in the city of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania the lights come on in the Friends Meeting House by turning on the switches in each room. But the building becomes a church when we arrive. The first lights start to shine as Heidi and Elaine and others set up the altar, bring the keyboard down, put the kneeler out. Some more lights come on when Cassie or Paul come and set up the greeters table. A little more light goes on when Diane and others make the coffee, put out some snacks so we can share hospitality with each other after worship. More lights George, James, the rest of the ushers come to hang out bulletins, welcome people for evening worship. A few more lights early arrivers Mel, others greet people on the front porch or inside the church in winter. More lights musicians coming to practice, Jim, Corey, Joyce, Marilyn, Heather on the flute ,Jim at the piano. More lights people come in to sit on the chairs and pray - Lou, Linda, Betty

Some new visitors join us - more lights. Louie arrives to share the light of communion. People stay after worship to help take things down, Ellie, Tina, Jeff, Scott, Joe and all of the other lights with good backs. Many of the lights stay after church to fellowship with one another, to check in and see how each other is doing. But then another miracle happens all those church lights go out into the world. And can be seen at places of work, at hospital bedsides, at the gay and lesbian community center, filling bags of food at the Food Bank, A light can be seen holding another light that was dim that day. A light is seen reaching into the darkness of night of someone depression giving a glimmer of hope. And the light goes on and on and even the night, even evil, even fear can't put the light out. And the words of Jesus become reality - "You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hid. No one lights a lamp and puts it under a bushel, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. Let your light so shine before others, that they may see your good works and give glory to God who is in heaven."(Matthew 5:14-16)

Who first brought the light of God to you? Was it you mother or father, grandmother or grandfather? Was it a neighbor or a stranger? Was it the person who told you God loved you. Was it the person who told you you could be gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgendered, straight and that was the way God made your light to shine. You got your light at birth but someone flipped the switch and gave you the life light of God. Think of the people who have touched you with God's light during your life's journey. They gave you the light of love, compassion, healing, strength, courage, hope, peace, faith just when you needed it. The light of the world - God's light.

You are the light of the world. What are you doing with the gift of divine light given to you?

Who is that person sitting out there in darkness who needs a light from you?

You are the light of the world.

Is there someone in a dark, dark closet who can't find the doorknob to turn because they don't have a light?

You are the light of the world.

Is there a person who you work with, who you go to school with, who you see riding on the bus every evening and they just need the light of a friendly word to help their light continue to burn?

Who do you need to carry God's light to this week?

God has gifted us with light so that we might enliven our world. Take your light from this holy place tonight to bring God's presence to all who you meet.