Shine Through Me

Stafford (KS) First United Methodist Church

Our church sanctuary has a stained glass ceiling. If you walk into the dark sanctuary, you might notice it. But it's not until the lights are on that you truly see the beauty.

I think we're like that, too. I used to sing a song called "Shine Through Me." (It's old enough that I couldn't find it on youtube, so I could share it with you.) But it says, in part:

It's not enough to know it
We've got to somehow show it
Or love is like a candle in a tomb
Whose fainting heart will soon be gone
Without new breath to urge it on.
To be the ray of peace in place of gloom.

Shine through me, shine through me.
Lord, make my life
A stream of light
For everyone to see
A glowing, reaching, loving light
It's what I need to be
So take control, ignite my soul
Shine through me.

Great Bend (KS) First United Methodist Church

This Christmas season, we again celebrate the arrival of the Light of the World.

Jesus said:

I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.

John 8: 12

Scott City United Methodist Church

How best do we celebrate the arrival of that Light into the world?

You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead, they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.

Matthew 5: 14-16

St. Teresa's Catholic Church, Hutchinson, KS

Sometimes the light wakes us up. It might even scare us. Think about those shepherds in the field, "keeping watch over their flocks by night." There they were, minding their own business, and a bright light and a multitude of angels show up. This was no ordinary moonlit night, and they were terrified.

Messiah Lutheran Church, Lindsborg, KS

But they overcame their fear, and they went to the manger. Then they spread the word.

So what's the Light of the World calling you to do? Just like the stained glass windows, we become what we are meant to become only when the Light shines through us.

In the midst of this hectic holiday season, when the to-do list is larger than the time to accomplish it, remember to SHINE. That's the best way to spread the good news that the Light has come to the world.

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Cream Cheese Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

Need a way for your cookie trays to shine this holiday season? Try Cream Cheese Chocolate Chip Bars. Click here for the recipe.

Check out my last year's Vine Press December post about how to host a cookie exchange. There are lots more recipes for your holiday baking needs.

Merry Christmas to you and yours!