Faith UMC Easter Devotion April 20 2014
The Light of Christ
Written by Pastors Steve & Cara Stultz Costello
Scripture: John 1:5 and 14—”The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it…and the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory of a father’s only son, full of grace and truth. “
Reflection: The acolytes bear the light of Christ into the midst of the gathered body of Christ. We are reminded that Jesus, the light of the world, has dawned upon us and is in our midst. We are reminded that we are called to be light in his likeness – like a city shining on a hill in the midst of the pervasive shadow of night.
Lent is traditionally a liturgical season likened to intentional darkness. In Lent we are called to focus upon our ‘shadow side’ – to call it into the light; to confess, to be forgiven, restored, saved. Though, when we bring that shadow side into the light it may shrink back, recoil, even snap and snarl. The dimness reacts this way because it is threatened. We become comfortable with our brokenness, our hiddenness, our shame. “That’s just the way I am.” we ascent. This is not the way or who we are. Jesus says to each and all of us, “You are the light of the world.”
You are the light of the world.
When I have the privilege to serve you Communion I see Christ’s light shining in you. You come and look into my eyes as I remind you that Jesus was broken and in him we are made whole. The light from the altar candles, the light of Christ, is reflected in your eyes. Christ’s light is in you. I see it.
Do you see it?
Where do you see the light of Christ reflected?
I also have the privilege to bear witness to the ways in which Christ’s light moves through you. In his name you are about shining his light. What has been broken is healed. What has been kept hidden is respectfully revealed. What has been shrouded in shame is cared for and affirmed. Christ’s light moves thorough you. I see it.
In what ways do you see Christ’s light moving in and through you and others?
Prayer: Lord God, we hail the Sun of Righteousness in your son Jesus. We give thanks for the light and life that he brings to all. We give thanks that out of the grave and out of our darkness he rises with healing. In this season create in us clean hearts that Christ’s light may ever shine more brightly in and through us. In his name we pray. Amen.
This Week’s Scripture Readings: John 1:5-14, Luke 24:1-12, John 20:1-18, John 20:19-31, 1 Corinthians 15: 1-28, 1 Corinthians 15:20-56
Prayer Focus: Pray for our community. Pray that Christ’s light may shine brightly in and through our church, community and world.
Family Connection: Flower Cross
Make a cross out of branches. Cover it with chicken wire or similar material that has holes. Fill the cross with fresh flowers and display it in your yard or porch. Share the traditional Easter greeting with one another: “Alleluia! Christ is risen!” and the response: “The Lord is risen indeed. Alleluia!”
Faith’s Christian Education & Spiritual Formation ministry team thanks everyone who helped to provide a weekly devotion written by some of Faith’s ministry teams to guide us in reflecting how we are Seeing Christ and Being Christ as we walk with Jesus during the season of Lent and Easter.
Additional resources for Holy Week and Easter for individuals and for families are available in the literature racks in the Gathering area and outside the Family Life Center as well as in Faith’s Library & Media Center and on our website: http://faithum.weebly.com/lent.html
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